QuestionIm 39 years old and have been diagnosed with a large fundal fibroid. I had an U/S last may (2007)and it was mesuring 12x9cm. I am certain it has grown in size since. I have been on a waiting list for a myomectomy since then.
My boyfriend and I tried to conceive for the last 3 years and 3 weeks ago, we finally got the good news. I am 7 weeks pregnant (LMP March 26). My uterus is huge, its up to my navel (!!!). My first appointment with my OBGYM is in 2 weeks and I am just freaking out!
My question: What are my chances of delivering a healthy baby?
Thanks in advance!
AnswerDear Chantal,
Congratulations on the long-awaited pregnancy!
Fibroids are actually quite common - between 50% and 80% of all women have at least one. For the most part, these fibroids cause no symptoms, though they can be problematic for about 20% of women. Uterine fibroids are tumors or growths, made up of muscle cells and other tissues that grow within the wall of the uterus (or womb). Although fibroids are sometimes called tumors, they are almost always benign (not cancerous). They are the most common, benign tumors in women of childbearing age, but no one knows exactly what causes them. Causes could be hormonal (affected by estrogen levels), genetic (running in families), environmental, or a combination of all three. Because no one knows for sure what causes fibroids, we also don't know what causes them to grow or shrink. For the most part, fibroids stop growing or shrink after menopause. However, this is not true for all women with fibroids.
They can be frustrating to live with when they cause symptoms. Not all women with fibroids have symptoms, but some have pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Fibroids also can put pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination.
Reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone can stimulate cell growth, causing fibroids to form. During pregnancy, the increase in these hormones may cause fibroids to grow in size. Though fibroids tend to grow in size during pregnancy, it is unlikely that they will cause you any symptoms. Some pregnant women do experience minor symptoms, particularly pelvic pain and light spotting. Most pregnant women who have fibroids will not experience any complications with their pregnancy either. However, fibroids during pregnancy do increase your risk of miscarriage or preterm labor slightly. Occasionally, complications can arise if your fibroids become very large. Complications can include:
-postpartum hemorrhaging
-obstructed labor (if the fibroid grows into the birth canal)
-fetal malpresentations (sometimes fibroids grow into the uterus, forcing your
baby into an unusual position)
-stalled labor
-C-section
Your doctor will need to do another ultrasound to determine actual size and location of the fibroid to assess your risk of any potential complications. However, most can be minimized/avoided with proper treatment. I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
