Some women with fibroids have no symptoms and may not need treatment.

During a pregnancy, existing fibroids may grow due to the increased blood flow and estrogen levels. The fibroids usually return to their original size after the baby is delivered.

Fibroids may cause pregnancy complications, although the risk is thought to be small:

• Most women are able to carry their babies to term, but some end up delivering prematurely because there is not enough room in the uterus.
• Some pregnant women with fibroids may need a cesarean section because fibroids can occasionally block the birth canal or cause the baby to be positioned wrong.
• Some pregnant women with fibroids have heavy bleeding immediately after giving birth.

Other complications of fibroids include:

• Severe pain or excessively heavy bleeding that may require emergency surgery
• A pedunculated fibroid can become twisted and cause a kink in the blood vessels feeding the tumor (this type of fibroid may need surgery)
• Anemia (which may be severe if the bleeding is very heavy)
• Urinary tract infections, if pressure from the fibroid prevents the bladder from fully emptying
• Cancerous changes called leiomyosarcoma (in rare cases)
• Infertility (rarely)

Call your health care provider if:

• You have gradual changes in your menstrual pattern, including a heavier flow, increased cramping, or bleeding between periods
• Fullness or heaviness develops in your lower abdomen

Images

Fibroid tumors

Uterus

Pelvic laparoscopy

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Uterine fibroids Symptoms

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Uterine fibroids Prevention

Review Date: 01/11/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine (9/2/2009).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)