Fibroids in Pregnancy: Complete Guide
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths of muscle and fibrous tissue in or around the womb, and they're common — many women have them without ever knowing, often discovering them for the first time on an early pregnancy scan. Most fibroids cause no problems at all during pregnancy, but it helps to understand what to watch for.
Types Of Fibroids
Fibroids are usually classified by where they sit in relation to the uterus:
- Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer wall of the uterus
- Intramural fibroids sit within the muscular wall itself, and are the most common type
- Submucosal fibroids grow just under the inner lining, projecting into the uterine cavity
Their size, number, and position matter more than the diagnosis alone — a small fibroid tucked into the outer wall behaves very differently from a large one pressing into the uterine cavity.
How Fibroids Can Affect Pregnancy
Most people with fibroids have entirely straightforward pregnancies, but larger or awkwardly positioned fibroids can occasionally cause:
- Pelvic pain or discomfort, particularly as the fibroid and uterus both grow
- A slightly increased risk of heavier bleeding, especially after birth
- The baby settling into a breech or unusual position if a fibroid blocks the lower part of the uterus
- Rarely, "red degeneration," where a fibroid outgrows its blood supply and causes sudden, sharp pain — this is uncomfortable but not usually dangerous and tends to settle with rest and pain relief
Management During Pregnancy
- Most fibroids are simply monitored with scans alongside your regular pregnancy checks — no active treatment is usually needed.
- Paracetamol is generally used for fibroid-related discomfort, as it's considered safe in pregnancy; always check with your midwife before taking anything else.
- If a fibroid is large or positioned low, your team may discuss birth options with you in more detail, including the possibility of a caesarean if it's blocking the birth canal.
- Fibroids are not usually removed during pregnancy or caesarean birth, as this can cause heavy bleeding — surgery, if ever needed, is normally done separately, well before or after pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fibroids harm my baby?
In most cases, fibroids don't harm the baby and pregnancies proceed normally. Very occasionally, a large fibroid can affect the baby's growth space or final position, which your sonographer and midwife will monitor through your scans. If any concerns arise, your care team will talk you through what it means for your specific situation.
Do fibroids grow during pregnancy?
Fibroids can grow during pregnancy due to increased blood flow and hormone levels, though not all of them do, and some even shrink afterwards. Any significant growth is usually picked up on routine scans, so there's no need to worry between appointments. Report any new or worsening pain to your midwife promptly.
Will I need a caesarean if I have fibroids?
Not necessarily — many women with fibroids have a straightforward vaginal birth. A caesarean may be recommended if a fibroid is low down and could obstruct the baby's path, or for other pregnancy-specific reasons your team identifies. This will usually be discussed with you well in advance of your due date.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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