Will uterine fibroids affect pregnancy?

Whether uterine fibroids affect pregnancy needs to be comprehensively judged based on the location, size and number of fibroids. Most small subserosal or intramural fibroids have no significant impact on pregnancy. Submucosal fibroids or fibroids with a diameter of more than 5 cm may interfere with embryo implantation or increase the risk of miscarriage.

When subserosal fibroids grow outward and are small in size, they usually do not compress the uterine cavity and have less impact on conception and the pregnancy process. If intramural fibroids do not bulge into the uterine cavity and are less than 3 cm in diameter, most pregnant women can have a normal pregnancy to term. This type of fibroid may temporarily increase in size during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, but will often shrink after delivery. During pregnancy preparation, it is recommended to review ultrasound every 3-6 months to monitor changes in fibroids and avoid daily intake of estrogen-containing health products.

When submucosal fibroids protrude into the uterine cavity, they may change the endometrial environment, causing difficulty in implantation of a fertilized egg, and significantly increase the probability of early miscarriage. Fibroids with a diameter of more than 5 cm, regardless of their location, may cause uterine cavity deformation or occupy the fetal growth space, increasing the risk of complications such as abnormal fetal position and placental abruption. Some patients will experience symptoms such as increased menstrual flow and anemia, which require hysteroscopic or laparoscopic surgery before pregnancy. Under special circumstances, fibroids may undergo red degeneration during pregnancy, causing severe abdominal pain and requiring emergency medical intervention.

Gynecological ultrasound and hysteroscopy should be completed before pregnancy. It is recommended to undergo hysteroscopic resection of submucosal fibroids. Laparoscopic removal of large intramural fibroids can be considered, and contraception should be used for 1 to 2 years after surgery before pregnancy. If fibroids are found to be enlarging during pregnancy, there is no need for excessive intervention, but it is necessary to increase the frequency of prenatal check-ups and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding occur. Maintain a balanced diet on a daily basis, control red meat intake, and take appropriate iron supplements to prevent anemia.