How can uterine fibroids affect pregnancy?
Sometimes, pregnant women develop uterine fibroids, but usually they do not cause problems for your pregnancy. During pregnancy, the fibroids may increase in size, due to increased amounts of blood flowing into the uterus. Uterine fibroids during pregnancy can cause pain, feelings of discomfort or pressure. Usually, after pregnancy, the fibroids will decrease in size. However, fibroids during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage before 20 weeks, preterm birth, or a breech baby (the baby is in a position other than the head facing downwards). In very rare cases, a large fibroid can block the uterine opening and keep the baby from passing into the birth canal. In these cases, a cesarean birth is oftentimes necessary. If you have fibroids during pregnancy, usually no treatment is needed.
