Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but it can also be overwhelming and challenging. If you have fibroids, the experience can become even more complicated (sigh). Before we get into the nitty gritty of this post, let me give just a bit of background. If you want more of the story, check out my Big Fibroid. Bigger God. post, but here is a little summary.
March 2021
I had an open myomectomy on March 2, 2021. We removed JoJo (my 24 cm fibroid) and 3 of her smaller homegirls. My doctor told me he left one small fibroid in there because removing it was not worth the risks (i.e. scar tissue & conceiving complications). He said that the fibroid was about 3-4 cm and was not in a location that would prevent me from getting pregnant. So, we went from four fibroids to one and in a few months, hubby and I can start our TTC (trying to conceive) journey. Coolio, I can deal with that.
June 2021
On June 17, 2021, doc gave us the okay to get busy (literally). Fun fact: Yall, after doing the math, Win was conceived that same day – no games played, mmmmk.
July 2021
On July 3, 2021, we got the plus sign on the stick. Only July 4th, instead of getting ribs and baked beans, I got three additional tests because I could not believe it all happened so quickly.
August 2021
So, we got our first ultrasound on August 3, 2021. During the ultrasound, the conversation went a lil something like this:
Tech: Oh, looks like you have fibroids in there.
Me: Oh yeah, I know there is one in there.
Tech: No, there are a few in there, all pretty small though.
Me: A fewwwwww (Soulja voice)????
Yall, I literally just had surgery and you mean to tell me they have already grown back (post on this to come). A part of me was distraught lying on that table, but I had to focus on the blessing. Being a fibroid fighter, I had several ultrasounds, including those uncomfortable vaginal ones, but this time I’m having an ultrasound to see my baby. Nothing can rain on that parade. So now, the focus had shifted to what do I need to do to have a healthy pregnancy, despite these uninvited guests.
Just in case this is your first rodeo with fibroids, let me make sure you have some understanding. Fibroids are growths (usually non-cancerous) that can develop in the uterus. They can vary in size and location, and some women may never know they have them. Fibroids are very common, affecting up to 80% of women by the age of 50. While fibroids are usually harmless, they can cause a variety of symptoms, which I go into more details in this post. If you are pregnant and have fibroids, there are a few things I think you should know in hopes of ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy.
How are fibroids diagnosed during pregnancy?
If you have fibroids and become pregnant, your doctor will monitor the fibroids closely throughout your pregnancy. Fibroids can be diagnosed during a routine ultrasound, and your doctor may order additional ultrasounds throughout your pregnancy to monitor the size and location of the fibroids. I made sure to ask my tech to get measurements of my baby and my fibroids during every single ultrasound. I wanted to know what the lil rascals were doing to and/or around my baby.
How can fibroids affect pregnancy?
Depending on the size and location of the fibroids, they can:
- Increase the risk of miscarriage: Large fibroids (I consider anything over 10 cm large) can interfere with the implantation of the fertilized egg, leading to a higher risk of miscarriage. This terrified me, especially during the first trimester, which is why nobody knew I was pregnant (except hubs of course) until the second trimester.
- Increase the risk of preterm labor: Fibroids can cause the uterus to contract prematurely, leading to preterm labor and delivery.
- Increase the risk of C-section: Fibroids can make it difficult for the baby to pass through the birth canal, increasing the likelihood of a C-section. My myomectomy and recovery went so well, this was not initially a concern for me. But guess what, I still had a C-section due to Win preferring to be upside down (gotta love my little breech baby).
- Cause pain and discomfort: Fibroids can cause pain and discomfort during pregnancy, which can make it harder to get comfortable and rest. Obviously, the big ole belly is not uncomfortable enough.
Will pregnancy cause fibroids to grow?
Due to blood flowing to your uterus, your fibroids may increase in size during pregnancy. The size of my fibroids did slightly increase throughout pregnancy. Make sure to remain tuned in with the growth rate and bring up any concerns to your doctor. No concern is too small to discuss.
How are fibroids treated during pregnancy?
In many cases, fibroids do not require treatment during pregnancy, and your doctor will simply monitor them closely. However, if the fibroids are causing symptoms such as pain or bleeding, your doctor may recommend medication or surgery to manage the symptoms. If time allows, please do your own research before taking any medication or agreeing to surgery. This may mean getting a second, or third, opinion. You and your little one are worth it.
Unfortunately, there is not enough research on this topic. We really do not know if there is a means to prevent fibroids. The only “cure” is to get a hysterectomy and that is not on every girl’s agenda. During my pregnancy, I prayed…a lot. I did everything I could to give myself a sense of calm. I performed daily exercise and I never missed a doctor’s appointment. Whatever you do, it is very important to be transparent, and even vulnerable, with your doctor to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. While fibroids can increase the risk of complications, many women with fibroids have successful pregnancies with no complications. I am a living testimony. Amen? Amen!
That’s It. That’s All Yall.
J. Bai
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