Fibroids During Pregnancy: What Happens If You Have Fibroids and Are Expecting?

Finding out that you have fibroids during pregnancy can naturally bring questions. You may already have known about them before becoming pregnant, or they may have been noticed for the first time during a routine ultrasound.

The word “fibroid” can sound concerning when you are already thinking about your pregnancy and your baby. You may wonder whether the fibroid needs treatment, whether you will need additional monitoring, or whether it could influence your delivery plan.

There is no single approach for every woman with fibroids. Your obstetrician can look at the ultrasound findings, your symptoms, medical history, and how the pregnancy is progressing before deciding what, if anything, needs particular attention.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are growths that develop in the muscle of the uterus. They can vary in size and may occur in different areas of the uterus.

Some women have one fibroid, while others have several. A woman may already know about her fibroids because they were identified before pregnancy, while others may discover them during an ultrasound.

Having a fibroid does not automatically mean that treatment is needed.

What matters is understanding what has actually been found and whether it has any relevance to your pregnancy care.

How Are Fibroids Found During Pregnancy?

Fibroids may be noticed during an ultrasound examination.

Some women have no symptoms and only learn about a fibroid when it appears on a scan. Others may have had symptoms such as heavy periods or pelvic discomfort before pregnancy.

Once a fibroid has been identified, your obstetrician can explain what the ultrasound shows and whether any follow-up is appropriate.

The scan is considered alongside your symptoms and pregnancy history rather than being interpreted on its own.

If you have been given an ultrasound report and are unsure what it means, you can ask your doctor to explain the findings in simple terms.

Does Finding a Fibroid Mean There Is a Problem?

Not necessarily.

A fibroid may be present without becoming a significant concern during pregnancy. In other situations, your obstetrician may want to keep a closer eye on it depending on what has been seen and how you are feeling.

The presence of a fibroid by itself does not tell you exactly how your pregnancy will progress.

Instead of worrying about the word “fibroid” alone, ask your doctor:

• Where is it located?
• How large is it?
• Is there more than one?
• Does anything about it need to be followed during pregnancy?

These questions can help you understand your own ultrasound findings rather than comparing them with someone else's experience.

Why Does the Location of a Fibroid Matter?

Fibroids can occur in different parts of the uterus.

Their location may therefore be relevant when your obstetrician reviews an ultrasound and considers your pregnancy care.

For example, a fibroid in the lower part of the uterus may be looked at differently from one located elsewhere.

This does not mean that a particular location automatically leads to a particular outcome.

The important thing is to understand where the fibroid is and whether your obstetrician considers its position relevant to your pregnancy.

What Symptoms Might You Notice?

Many women may not experience symptoms from their fibroids during pregnancy.

If symptoms do occur, they may include pelvic discomfort, pressure, or pain.

However, abdominal or pelvic discomfort can have many possible causes during pregnancy. It should therefore not automatically be assumed that a fibroid is responsible.

If you experience new, significant, or persistent pain, bleeding, or another concerning change, contact your obstetrician and explain what you are experiencing.

The timing, severity, location, and accompanying symptoms can help your healthcare team decide what needs to be assessed.

If You Already Know You Have Fibroids

If you were diagnosed with fibroids before becoming pregnant, mention them during your pregnancy consultation.

Previous ultrasound reports can be particularly useful because they may provide information about how the fibroids were documented previously.

Your doctor may ask about:

• Previous ultrasound findings
• Any symptoms you experienced
• Previous fibroid-related treatment
• Previous pregnancies
• Any gynaecological procedures or surgery

You do not necessarily need treatment simply because you have known fibroids.

Your current pregnancy can be discussed in light of your previous history and the findings available now.

What If Fibroids Are Discovered for the First Time?

Discovering a fibroid during pregnancy can be unsettling, especially if you had no idea it was there.

The first step is to understand what the ultrasound has shown.

Your obstetrician can explain the location and size of the fibroid and whether anything about the finding needs to be followed during pregnancy.

Further follow-up may be suggested depending on the circumstances.

Finding a fibroid does not automatically mean that something needs to be done immediately. In some situations, your doctor may simply recommend keeping track of the pregnancy and reviewing the finding as appropriate.

Do Fibroids Need Treatment During Pregnancy?

Finding a fibroid during pregnancy does not automatically mean that an intervention will be needed.

Your obstetrician can consider the ultrasound findings, your symptoms, your pregnancy history, and other relevant information before discussing whether any treatment or intervention is appropriate.

In some situations, follow-up may be the approach discussed.

It is therefore better not to assume that surgery or another procedure will be necessary simply because a fibroid has been identified.

If your doctor recommends any intervention or further assessment, ask what has led to that recommendation and what it means for your pregnancy.

What If You Have Had Fibroid Surgery Before?

Previous fibroid surgery or another fibroid-related procedure is important information to share with your obstetrician.

Bring any operative notes, discharge summaries, ultrasound reports, or other relevant records if you have them.

The details of a previous procedure may help your doctor understand your gynaecological history and consider it alongside the current pregnancy.

A previous procedure does not automatically decide how your current pregnancy will be managed.

Your obstetrician can review the available information and explain what is relevant to your present pregnancy.

Could Fibroids Affect the Delivery Plan?

Having fibroids does not automatically determine the mode of delivery.

As pregnancy progresses, your obstetrician may consider the overall circumstances of the pregnancy when discussing birth options.

The discussion may include the location of the fibroid, its relationship to other findings, the baby's position, and how the pregnancy is progressing.

Some women with fibroids may have a vaginal delivery, while others may have a different delivery plan for reasons related to their individual pregnancy.

The important point is that the delivery plan is not decided simply by seeing the word “fibroid” on an ultrasound report.

What If the Fibroid Is in the Lower Part of the Uterus?

A fibroid located in the lower part of the uterus may receive particular attention because of its position.

Your obstetrician can explain whether its location has any relevance to your pregnancy or delivery planning.

This does not automatically mean that a caesarean delivery will be required.

The significance of the finding can be considered as the pregnancy progresses and more information becomes available.

If you are concerned about a lower uterine fibroid, ask your doctor how its location relates to the current pregnancy rather than trying to draw conclusions from the scan alone.

If You Develop Pain During Pregnancy

Pain during pregnancy should not automatically be attributed to fibroids.

If you already know that you have fibroids and develop abdominal or pelvic pain, let your doctor know.

You may be asked about:

• Where the pain is located
• When it started
• How long it has lasted
• Whether it is becoming more noticeable
• Whether you have any other symptoms

Depending on the situation, your doctor can decide whether you need an examination, observation, or further assessment.

Avoid taking medicines for pain during pregnancy without checking with your healthcare professional, particularly if you are unsure whether a particular medicine is suitable for you.

Questions About Your Baby

It is natural to wonder whether a fibroid has any relevance to your baby's pregnancy care.

Your obstetrician can explain what has been seen on the ultrasound and whether any additional follow-up is appropriate.

The information available from your scan and the way your pregnancy is progressing can guide these discussions.

Rather than assuming that a fibroid will have a particular effect, ask your doctor what the finding means in the context of your pregnancy.

This can help you separate information about your own scan from general information you may come across online.

What Monitoring Could Be Suggested?

There is no single follow-up schedule that applies to every woman with fibroids.

Depending on the findings, your obstetrician may continue with routine antenatal care or suggest additional ultrasound follow-up.

If another scan is recommended, you can ask what your doctor would like to review and when you should return.

Your care can also be reviewed if you develop new symptoms or if later pregnancy assessments provide additional information.

You do not need to compare the number of scans you have with another woman's pregnancy. Different pregnancies may involve different follow-up arrangements.

What Happens After Delivery?

Finding a fibroid during pregnancy does not automatically mean that treatment will be needed after delivery.

Your doctor may discuss whether any follow-up is appropriate based on your symptoms, previous history, and the findings during pregnancy.

If you had symptoms related to fibroids before pregnancy, you can mention whether those symptoms have changed after delivery.

If you have questions about future pregnancy planning or your gynaecological health after childbirth, these can also be discussed during your postnatal care.

Questions to Ask Your Obstetrician

If you have been told that you have fibroids during pregnancy, you may find it useful to ask:

• Where exactly is the fibroid located?
• How large is it?
• Is there more than one fibroid?
• Does its position have any relevance to my pregnancy?
• Do I need any additional follow-up?
• What symptoms should I contact you about?
• Could the finding be relevant when discussing delivery?
• Is any treatment being considered?
• Will I need follow-up after delivery?

You do not need to remember all of these questions. Choose the ones that are most relevant to your concerns and bring them to your appointment.

What Should You Keep Ready for Your Appointment?

If you have been diagnosed with fibroids, bringing your previous medical information can make the conversation easier.

You may wish to keep:

• Previous ultrasound reports
• Previous gynaecological records
• Operative notes, if you have had fibroid surgery
• Details of medicines you currently take
• Information about previous pregnancies
• A note of any symptoms you have noticed

You can also write down when your symptoms began and whether they have changed.

This information can help your obstetrician understand your history and discuss the current pregnancy with you.

If You Are Planning Pregnancy With Fibroids

If you already know that you have fibroids and are considering pregnancy, you may wish to discuss them during a preconception consultation.

Your doctor can review your previous ultrasound reports, symptoms, previous treatment, and reproductive history.

Not every woman with fibroids needs treatment before pregnancy.

The purpose of the consultation is to understand your individual situation and discuss whether anything needs attention before you become pregnant.

If you are already pregnant, the same information can be discussed as part of your antenatal care.

When Should You Discuss Fibroids During Pregnancy?

If you have known fibroids and are pregnant, or if a fibroid has recently been identified during an ultrasound, discussing the finding with your obstetrician can help you understand what it means for your pregnancy.

You may also consider a consultation if you have fibroids and are planning a pregnancy and would like to discuss your medical history before conception.

There is no need to make assumptions based on the size, location, or presence of a fibroid alone. Your own ultrasound findings and pregnancy history provide the relevant context.

If you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with fibroids, you may consider visiting Dr. Prabhjot Manchanda at Sanjeevani Healthcare, Ghatkopar, for an individual assessment and appropriate guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fibroids be discovered during a routine pregnancy ultrasound?

Yes. Some women may already know they have fibroids, while others may first learn about them when they are seen during an ultrasound.

Do all fibroids grow larger during pregnancy?

Not necessarily. Some fibroids may grow during pregnancy while others stay much the same, and this can vary from woman to woman. Your obstetrician can track any changes as part of your routine antenatal ultrasounds.

Can a fibroid affect my chances of getting pregnant in the first place?

This depends on factors like the size and location of the fibroid. If you're planning a pregnancy and have known fibroids, this is worth discussing during a preconception consultation so your individual situation can be considered.

What should I do if I develop new pain and I have fibroids?

Tell your obstetrician about the pain rather than assuming that it is caused by the fibroid. New or significant symptoms can have different possible explanations during pregnancy.

Can I discuss fibroids before becoming pregnant?

Yes. If you already know that you have fibroids and are considering pregnancy, you can discuss your previous reports, symptoms, and treatment history during a preconception consultation.

Will I need follow-up after delivery?

That depends on your symptoms, medical history, and pregnancy findings. Your doctor can advise whether any postnatal follow-up is appropriate.

Can I ask my obstetrician whether my fibroid is relevant to delivery?

Yes. If you are concerned about how the fibroid may relate to your birth plan, ask your obstetrician to explain the ultrasound findings and how they may be considered when discussing delivery.