Medically reviewed by
USA Fibroid Centers Medical Review Team
Expert interventional radiology specialists
Many women with uterine fibroids go on to have healthy, successful pregnancies. However, depending on their size, number, and location, fibroids can affect fertility, cause uncomfortable pelvic symptoms during pregnancy, or increase the likelihood of certain obstetric complications. Medically termed leiomyomas or myomas, these noncancerous muscle tumors can influence how a pregnancy progresses from conception through delivery. If you are planning to become pregnant or have recently learned you have fibroids during pregnancy, understanding how these growths impact each stage helps you know what to expect and make informed decisions for your reproductive health.
Learn More About Conceiving With Fibroids
Can You Have a Successful Pregnancy With Fibroids?
Yes, many women with fibroids conceive naturally and deliver healthy babies. However, the size, number, and location of fibroids play a critical role in whether complications arise. Fibroids that alter the shape of the uterine cavity can interfere with early embryo implantation, while large tumors can restrict space as the baby grows. If you are trying to conceive, an evaluation by a fibroid specialist can help determine if treatment before pregnancy is appropriate.
Do Uterine Fibroids Cause Infertility?
While many women with fibroids get pregnant without difficulty, certain fibroids make conception harder. Submucosal fibroids (growing beneath the uterine lining) or fibroids that physically block the fallopian tubes are more likely to affect fertility than subserosal fibroids located on the outside of the uterus. If you are experiencing fertility challenges and have been diagnosed with fibroids, early intervention can clear the path to a healthy pregnancy.
How Uterine Fibroids Can Impact Pregnancy
Although most pregnancies progress normally, surging estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy can cause some fibroids to grow rapidly. Depending on their growth pattern, additional monitoring may be recommended by your OB-GYN.
Fibroid Pain and Degeneration During Pregnancy
Pelvic pain is one of the most frequent symptoms experienced when managing fibroids during pregnancy. Pain typically occurs when a rapidly enlarging fibroid outgrows its arterial blood supply, initiating a process known as fibroid degeneration. This triggers sharp localized pain, cramping, tenderness, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Severe or persistent pain should always be evaluated by your healthcare provider.
Vaginal Bleeding and Delivery Considerations
Fibroids located near the endometrial lining can press against blood vessels, causing spotting or bleeding during pregnancy. Furthermore, fibroids can impair normal myometrial contractions during labor, which increases the risk of heavy postpartum bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice sudden bleeding or unusual pain during your pregnancy.
High-Risk Pregnancy and Fibroid Complications
In some cases, pregnant women with multiple or large fibroids are considered high risk. Factors that interfere with normal fetal positioning or uterine expansion can increase the risk of complications through each trimester of pregnancy, including:
- Miscarriage: Especially elevated with submucosal fibroids distorting the uterine cavity
- Placental Abruption: Fibroids near the implantation site can cause the placenta to detach early
- Preterm Labor & Delivery: Uterine distortion or crowding may trigger early labor
- Breech Positioning & Fetal Growth Restriction: Space restriction inside the uterus can prevent the baby from turning head-down
- Cesarean Section: Fibroids near the cervix can physically obstruct the birth canal, necessitating a C-section
Common Types of Fibroids During Pregnancy
Fibroid classifications are based on where they grow within the uterus. Location directly correlates with potential pregnancy impact:
| Fibroid Type | Where It Grows | Potential Pregnancy Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Submucosal | Beneath the uterine lining | Highest risk. Distorts the cavity and is more likely to affect embryo implantation, fertility, and early pregnancy growth. |
| Intramural | Within the muscular wall | Moderate risk. Larger tumors can alter uterine shape, trigger localized pain, or increase labor complications. |
| Subserosal | On the outer surface | Low risk. Less likely to impact pregnancy directly, though large growths can cause pelvic pressure or organ displacement. |
| Pedunculated | Attached by a slender stalk | Variable risk. Can cause acute, severe pain if the supporting stalk twists (torsion) or degenerates during pregnancy. |
How to Deal With Fibroids During Pregnancy
Because direct surgical interventions or procedural treatments are usually postponed until after delivery to avoid risks to the pregnancy, management during gestation focuses on conservative care and close monitoring.
Monitoring and Managing Discomfort
Your obstetrician may recommend extra prenatal visits or targeted ultrasounds to track fibroid size alongside fetal growth. If you experience mild fibroid symptoms like pressure or cramping, your doctor can guide you on pregnancy-safe comfort measures. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medications during pregnancy.
Fibroid Treatment and Future Pregnancy Options
When exploring treatment options, pursuing care before conceiving provides the safest path forward. For women seeking to manage fibroid symptoms while preserving their uterus, non-surgical treatment like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) offers an effective alternative to major surgery like a hysterectomy or invasive myomectomy.
At USA Fibroid Centers, our experienced interventional radiologists perform UFE to block the arterial blood supply feeding the fibroids, causing them to shrink significantly. Many women achieve successful pregnancies following non-surgical fibroid treatment, making it vital to discuss your family planning goals with a specialist.
Expert Care at USA Fibroid Centers
Plan Your Pregnancy Journey With Peace of Mind
If you have been diagnosed with fibroids and are planning to get pregnant, consulting an experienced fibroid specialist before conceiving helps lower your risk of pain and pregnancy complications.
Schedule a consultation with our interventional radiologists today to explore non-surgical fibroid management options tailored to your long-term health goals.
FAQs About Fibroids and Pregnancy
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “Uterine Fibroids,” acog.org/womens-health/faqs/uterine-fibroids
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Fibroids and Pregnancy Outcomes,” pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about uterine fibroids and pregnancy. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice. Only a qualified healthcare provider or fibroid specialist can determine appropriate treatment. If you have severe pain, bleeding, or pregnancy complications, consult your doctor or contact USA Fibroid Centers for a consultation.