Ovarian Cysts in Pregnancy: Risks, Impacts & What to Expect

Question
Dear Doctor Rappaport,

Hi my name is Sara. I am 28 weeks pregnant and just discovered yesterday through ultra-sound that I have a 5cm X 5 cm cyst on my left ovary. I would like to ask will the cyst affect the rest of my pregnancy? Is it harmful to me during labor and delivery? Will it harm the baby or me if it ruptures? What if it ruptures and I got an infection, will it harm me and the baby? If I got an infection can I still use epidural during labor and delivery? Sorry for all these questions. I am very worried and scared. Please help me. The nurse at my OB's office told me not to worry about it but I am quite doubtful.

Loads of thanks.

Sara

Answer
There is usually no problem with having an ovarian cyst during pregnancy, as long as it does not become too large or rupture. If it ruptures, you can have some pain but will not usually develop any infection. Usually the pain can be controlled with pain medications and it will not cause any harm to the pregnancy or interfere with your use of anesthesia during labor. If the cyst becomes too large, you run the risk of "torsion" which is a twisting of the cyst, causing much pain. Then it may have to be excised during the pregnancy. This also will not cause harm to the pregnancy. However, if you can avoid it do not remove the cyst during the pregnancy. It is not harmful and will not have any effect on the baby. You will not become infected and you can still have an epidural anesthesia during labor.