Discovering you have fibroids during pregnancy can feel alarming. The reality for most women is reassuring — but there are important specifics worth understanding so you can work effectively with your healthcare team.
The Reassuring Reality First
The majority of women with fibroids have normal, healthy pregnancies. Many find out they have fibroids for the first time on a routine pregnancy scan. In most cases, no significant complications arise. This context is important — do not let a fibroid diagnosis during pregnancy spiral into disproportionate anxiety.
How Pregnancy Affects Fibroids
Pregnancy hormones — particularly estrogen — can cause fibroids to grow, especially in the first trimester. However, many fibroids remain stable throughout pregnancy, and some actually shrink. The relationship is unpredictable, which is why monitoring matters.
Potential Complications To Be Aware Of
Complications are not inevitable — they represent elevated risk, not certainty. More likely when fibroids are large, multiple, or submucosal:
- Higher rate of caesarean delivery (fibroids may obstruct the birth canal)
- Placenta previa (fibroid pushing placenta over the cervix)
- Preterm labour
- Placental abruption
- Fibroid degeneration pain (common and manageable with rest and pain relief)
Fibroid Degeneration During Pregnancy
When a fibroid outgrows its blood supply, it begins to break down — causing acute, sometimes severe pelvic pain. This is more common during pregnancy but is generally managed conservatively (rest and pain relief) and does not typically threaten the pregnancy. It is painful and distressing, but usually self-limiting.
What To Do
Ensure your obstetric team knows about your fibroids — their size, number, and location. Regular ultrasound monitoring tracks any changes. Maintain the lifestyle approaches that support overall health: anti-inflammatory nutrition, stress management, gentle movement, and adequate sleep all support a healthy pregnancy environment regardless of fibroids.
