Uterine Fibroids During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Specialists Who Can Help

Uterine fibroids are benign growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are relatively common among women, particularly during their reproductive years, when they are still able to become pregnant and give birth. Fibroids can vary in size and number, ranging from a single small growth to multiple larger fibroids.

Fibroids can also occur in women who are pregnant. Their presence requires attention because their size, number, and location in the uterus may affect the pregnancy. Some pregnant women with fibroids do not experience significant symptoms. However, in certain cases, fibroids can cause abdominal pain and bleeding, as well as increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Managing fibroids during pregnancy requires careful consideration of the gestational age, the baby’s condition, and the characteristics of the fibroids. An obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) should monitor their development and determine the most appropriate treatment approach. This article discusses the symptoms, risks, and treatment options for uterine fibroids during pregnancy, as well as the specialists experienced in managing this condition.

Can Uterine Fibroids Affect Fertility and the Chances of Getting Pregnant?

Most women with uterine fibroids can still conceive and have healthy pregnancies. However, the effect of fibroids on fertility depends on their location, size, and number.

One of the most important factors is whether the fibroids change the shape of the uterine cavity or affect the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus where an embryo implants. Based on their location, there are three main types of fibroids and their potential effects on pregnancy:

1. Subserosal Fibroids: Generally Do Not Affect Fertility

Subserosal fibroids grow beneath the outermost layer of the uterus. Since they generally do not change the shape of the uterine cavity, they are less likely to affect fertility.

2. Intramural Fibroids: May Affect the Shape of the Uterine Cavity

Intramural fibroids are the most common type of uterine fibroid. They develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. Their impact on fertility depends on their size and whether their growth changes the shape of the uterine cavity.

3. Submucosal Fibroids: The Type Most Likely to Affect Fertility

Submucosal fibroids grow directly beneath the endometrium, or the inner lining of the uterus. They are the type most likely to affect fertility because they can change the shape of the uterine cavity and interfere with embryo implantation.

What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids During Pregnancy?

Many women with uterine fibroids do not experience any symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they may include:

In some cases, fibroids can grow so large that their blood supply is no longer sufficient to meet their needs. This condition is called red degeneration and can trigger severe abdominal pain.

Red degeneration is relatively uncommon. It is estimated to affect around 8% of pregnant women with uterine fibroids. In addition to pain, red degeneration may cause symptoms such as:

If these symptoms occur during pregnancy, particularly in women who have previously been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, they should seek medical attention promptly. A doctor can help determine treatment options that are safe for the pregnancy.

Do Uterine Fibroids During Pregnancy Make It a High-Risk Pregnancy?

Having uterine fibroids does not automatically mean that a pregnancy is considered high-risk. The level of risk depends on the type of fibroid and the symptoms it causes.

Having fibroids does not always mean that a woman needs to undergo surgery to remove them before becoming pregnant. Their presence also does not necessarily put the pregnancy at risk.

Submucosal fibroids are the type most strongly associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications. They may make it more difficult to conceive, maintain a pregnancy, or carry the pregnancy to full term. Potential complications include:

Large intramural fibroids may also pose similar risks of pregnancy complications. However, these complications are relatively uncommon.

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids After Childbirth

Uterine fibroids do not always disappear on their own after childbirth. If they continue to cause symptoms or may affect a woman’s health or future pregnancies, a doctor may recommend treatment based on the fibroids’ size, number, and location, as well as the patient’s overall health and future pregnancy plans.

Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers several treatment options for uterine fibroids that can be tailored to each patient’s needs, including:

1. Myomectomy

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids without removing the uterus. It may be an option for women who wish to preserve their uterus and plan to become pregnant in the future.

At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, myomectomy is available through several techniques:

Da Vinci Xi Robotic-Assisted Myomectomy

This procedure uses the Da Vinci Xi robotic system, which is directly controlled by the surgeon. The system features high-precision instruments and clear visualization of the surgical area, helping the doctor remove fibroids through small incisions.

Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Laparoscopic myomectomy is performed by inserting a specialized camera and surgical instruments through several small incisions in the abdomen. As a minimally invasive surgical technique, it generally results in smaller surgical wounds and a shorter recovery period compared with open surgery.

2. HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a treatment method that uses high-energy ultrasound waves to target and destroy fibroid tissue without incisions or open surgery.

Since the procedure does not involve surgical incisions, HIFU may offer a relatively shorter recovery period. However, doctors must first evaluate the size, number, and location of the fibroids to determine whether this treatment is suitable for the patient’s condition.

Profile and Practice Schedule of dr. Edward Tony, Sp.OG, OB-GYN at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri

dr. Edward Tony Ngantung, Sp.OG, FESICOG, is an obstetrician and gynecologist who treats various conditions related to women’s reproductive health. His expertise includes preconception consultations, gynecological conditions, vaginal deliveries, and cesarean sections. He is also one of the OB-GYNs at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri certified in HIFU treatment for uterine fibroids.

In his practice, dr. Edward has also been trusted by several public figures, celebrities, and national athletes to assist with their childbirth journeys. These include badminton athlete Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Mitzi Abigail, badminton player Jonathan Christie and Shanju, as well as content creator Nex Carlos and Vienesca Laurencia. They entrusted the delivery of their children to dr. Edward at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.

dr. Edward Tony Ngantung, Sp.OG, FESICOG, is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:

Facilities for Out-of-Town and International Patients at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri

Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides various support facilities to help patients traveling from other cities or countries feel more comfortable during their treatment:

To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri easier, you can use the WhatsApp chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter app, available on Google Play and the App Store. These services allow you to arrange visits, check queue numbers, and access other useful information.

The information on this page is intended for educational purposes and provides a general overview. It does not represent the full range of medical services that each doctor may provide. To determine the most appropriate treatment for your health condition, we recommend consulting the relevant doctor directly.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.

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