If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and you’re planning to grow your family, or you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, you may be wondering if pregnancy can affect fibroid growth.
The short answer is yes, but you don’t have to sort through the details on your own. Here at Fresno Fibroid Center, our team of experts specializes in helping women understand how fibroids behave, how they can impact their reproductive health, and what fertility-sparing treatment options are available.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths made of muscle and fibrous tissue that form in or on your uterus. They’re incredibly common, especially among women of reproductive age. As many as 80% of women have fibroids.
Nearly 1 in 10 women has visible fibroids during pregnancy, with the highest rates seen in nonHispanic Black women. While some women never experience symptoms, others may face pelvic pain, heavy periods, or fertility challenges.
The answer is yes, but the effects can vary from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy.
But what exactly affects fibroid growth during your pregnancy?
Consider the following factors:
During pregnancy, your body produces more estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can stimulate fibroid growth, especially in your first trimester.
However, not every woman experiences fibroid growth throughout her entire pregnancy. In many cases, fibroids actually shrink during pregnancy, especially if they’re larger to begin with.
Keep in mind: Changes can vary depending on your background and health history.
Your uterus receives more blood during pregnancy. In fact, your blood volume can increase by up to 50% when you’re pregnant. All of the extra blood volume can also contribute to fibroid enlargement.
As your uterus expands to accommodate your baby, fibroids can shift in position, which may increase discomfort or affect nearby organs.
Most women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies, but certain risks are slightly higher if fibroids are present:
If you’re already pregnant and just found out you have fibroids, your OB/GYN or specialist will monitor you closely to prioritize the safest possible outcome. For example, they may recommend a C-section if any fibroids are blocking your birth canal.
Interestingly, many fibroids shrink after childbirth due to the drop in hormone levels. If symptoms persist or worsen after delivery, you may want to explore treatment options such as trans-radial uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) — a nonsurgical procedure we offer at Fresno Fibroid Center.
During UFE, we block the blood flow to fibroids, and without ample blood, they shrink. Because this is a uterus-sparing procedure, it’s ideal for women who still want to grow their families.
Drs. Pruett, Tower, Balfour, and Ng understand how fibroids affect your life and your family planning.
If you're planning to get pregnant and want to treat fibroids beforehand — or if you've recently given birth and are ready to address lingering fibroid symptoms — we're here to help. Our team offers advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments customized for every stage of your journey.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with our team today and learn more about how we can support your health during pregnancy and beyond.
Prefer to chat? You can reach us at (559) 436-4737.
