Fibroids during pregnancy

[TheSelfSoother]

I’m 13 weeks and during my 12+5 NHS scan, sonography found a fibroid on the right measuring more than 6cm. I had a scan back in February and no fibroid was found so I wonder if it grew with the pregnancy? I still have 4 weeks until my appointment with the consultant to discuss the results of the scan plus blood test for Down’s, Edward's and Patau’s which feels like a lifetime away. Anyone else had experience with pregnancy and large fibroids? I’m anxious and concerned but trying to not think about it.

Hey, yep I had a 9cm fibroid when I was pregnant with my DD (8). The pregnancy was largely uncomplicated, however she couldn't get into the right position at the end so I ended up having a planned C-section which went really well. It had shrunk by my second pregnancy and now there's no trace of it other than a bit of scar tissue identified during my 12 week scan with my third baby.

I think I had a few extra scans and was consultant led, but on the whole it didn't make much difference.

Thank you so much - that’s super reassuring to hear! Did you suffer from any pains, discomfort or fatigue during pregnancy as a result of the fibroid? I’m currently struggling with fatigue and round ligament pain on both sides every time I sneeze, cough or move awkwardly, I’m wondering if the fibroid is making it worse. Mine is 7.5cm and this is my first pregnancy so I was hoping to have a water birth but I guess we’ll have to monitor and see how things go. I have heard of the fibroid losing blood supply and dying in the 2nd/3rd trimester but perhaps larger ones take much longer and more effort to die than just one pregnancy.

I had a couple fibroids and I knew I was having a section so asked if they could be removed then but they said no. Wasn’t an issue during pregnancy and not even mentioned during my second pregnancy so perhaps they have disappeared? My kids are over 20 now and nothing. I mean I wouldn’t have known they were there except they were seen in an early scan first time around.

What type of fibroid is it? Intramural is the most common and generally least problematic.

Main issues in pregnancy are

• location - if it blocks cervix/exit route you may need a section
• degeneration - the painful breakdown you mentioned

Very large/multiple fibroids can cause additional problems. A single medium fibroid like yours probably doesn't fall into this category.

I don't know how common degeneration is, but my fibroid has never done this. It has accompanied three babies now and is a very polite guest!

Fibroids are very very common and don't cause major problems in pregnancy for most women.