Ovarian Cysts in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Question
I'm 6 months pregnant and i have a 10cm x 7 cm cyst on my left ovary and i'm really scared about my baby. Will it hurt my baby?

Answer
Dear Monica,

Ovarian cysts are fairly common during pregnancy (about 1 in 1,000 pregnant women). In fact, in the US ovarian cysts are found on trans-vaginal sonograms in nearly all premenopausal women and in up to 14.8% of postmenopausal women. Most of these cysts are functional in nature and benign. Most ovarian masses found during pregnancy are also benign; the incidence of ovarian cancer is only 1 in 25,000 births. Ultrasound can be helpful in determining if a mass is benign or malignant, but it cannot do so with 100% certainty. If ultrasound shows that the mass is strictly fluid-filled, without septation or thick walls, it is probably benign.

Benign cysts can cause pain and discomfort related to pressure on adjacent structures, torsion, rupture, hemorrhage (both within and outside of the cyst), and abnormal uterine bleeding. This is why most doctors keep a close eye on these cysts. Most benign cysts do resolve on their own, but persistent cysts that grow larger than 5-10 cm or those that are symptomatic or have features suggestive of malignancy may be removed surgically.

Your doctor will likely watch and monitor this cyst to make sure it resolves on its own. Try to relax - although I know that is hard to do. Anything out of the ordinary seems devastating with your pregnancy. But this really isn't all that uncommon and typically does not cause any adverse effect on the baby.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda