Role Of Uterine Fibroids In Heavy Periods During Pregnancy

Uterine fibroids, characterised as benign muscular tumours developing within the uterus, can significantly impact a woman’s reproductive health. The severity of the condition determines the recommended treatment options, which aim to alleviate symptoms and minimise associated risks.

During pregnancy, the presence of uterine fibroids can cause various concerns. These fibroids exert pelvic pressure, leading to pain symptoms, and are often associated with irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding. Such symptoms can serve as warning signs, potentially increasing the risk of miscarriage or complications during pregnancy.

To ensure every woman is equipped with the necessary knowledge about uterine fibroids and their potential impact, we present this article as a valuable resource. By delving into the topic, we aim to shed light on the role of uterine fibroids in heavy periods during pregnancy, providing vital information for informed decision-making and proactive management of this condition.

A] Connection Between Fibroids And Heavy Periods

If you are experiencing heavy periods for consecutive months, it might not be a hormonal issue but uterine fibroids. Heavy menstrual bleeding is when the period lasts longer than seven days or if you witness excessive bleeding.

Early diagnosis and treatment for uterine fibroids is the key to preventing the worsening symptoms. It might improve the problems causing heavy menstruation.

Here are the ways how the uterine fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding are connected or linked:

• The fibroids tend to press and impose force against the uterus lining. Thus, it will result in excessive menstrual bleeding, linking fibroids and periods.
• The presence of fibroids in the uterus can disrupt its contraction process, leading to prolonged bleeding. As a result, the bleeding may continue until the proper closing functions of the uterus occur.
• The uterine fibroids tend to stimulate the overgrowth of the blood vessels. It eventually contributes to heavy periods and might also cause problems with the healthy menstrual cycle.
• In some cases, fibroids lead to increased prostaglandins. It is a type of hormone in women, which might also be responsible for your excessive bleeding problems.

The impact of uterine fibroids on menstrual bleeding is contingent upon their specific location within the uterus. The location of fibroids plays a crucial role in determining whether they will contribute to menstrual bleeding conditions. Therefore, if you are experiencing such symptoms, get a uterine fibroid diagnosis immediately at the nearest healthcare facility. In this way, you can control the symptoms, take necessary medications and resolve the heavy period concerns.

Apart from heavy bleeding during menstruation, fibroids that trigger such problems will also result in symptoms such as:

• Longer periods
• Bleeding between the periods
• Excessive bleeding will cause anaemia
• Unbearable abdominal pain
• Bowel pressure and bladder strain

B] Problems Caused By Uterine Fibroids During Pregnancy

Fibroids can be as small as a pea or might grow larger than the grapefruit. They mostly grow on the outer region of the uterine wall or within the uterine cavity. Most women who experience fibroids have multiple instances of it of varying sizes.

Detecting the fibroids during pregnancy is not easy. It is because the muscles of your uterus will grow thick during pregnancy. Thus, it will be tough for doctors to diagnose the presence of fibroids. Most women diagnosed with fibroid problems during pregnancy have normal deliveries. But, for rare case scenarios, fibroids can cause significant problems in pregnant women, which includes:

1. Bleeding And Pain

Women with fibroids during their first trimester of pregnancy might experience untimely bleeding and immense pain in the abdominal region. Some women might have both of these symptoms, which need to be medically attended immediately.

2. Miscarriage

In the first trimester, women with uterine fibroids have a higher chance of a miscarriage in the early days. The chances are low for women with a single fibroid instance. But, if they have multiple or large fibroids, the chances of miscarriage increase gradually.

3. Placental Abruption

Pregnant women diagnosed with uterine fibroids will have a higher chance of experiencing placental abruption. In this condition, the placenta will tear away before the baby’s delivery. Hence, it might lead the baby to be deprived of sufficient oxygen. Thus, it will trigger a heavy bleeding condition for you.

4. Preterm Delivery

Fibroids will cause you to deliver the baby preterm. It means the baby will be born before you complete 37 weeks of pregnancy.

5. Increases The Chances Of C-section

Women with fibroids who give birth to a baby might have to undergo a C-section delivery procedure. It is mainly because the fibroids might be preventing the uterus from contracting efficiently or might have blocked the birth canal. Thus, the labour progress will slow down!

C] How Can Uterine Fibroids Be Identified?

The doctors will be able to detect the fibroid’s condition in your body during the routine pelvic examination or gynaecological checkup. You can get that done at Women’s Healthcare by scheduling an appointment.

The doctor will be able to feel the shape and size of the uterus to determine if it is shaped irregularly or enlarged. If that’s the case, then there is a possibility that fibroids might exist. Depending on those initial detections, the doctor might recommend some more treatments to confirm the condition.

Some of the tests that the doctors would further recommend to ensure your fibroids condition are:

• Ultrasound
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Saline Hysterosonography
• Hysteroscopy

Conclusion

Uterine fibroids are common in women and can adversely affect fertility. The severity of the fibroids condition might prevent the sperm and egg from meeting. Hence, it will prevent the implantation of the embryo. If the condition worsens, then there is a possibility that the woman might experience infertility.

And if fibroids are diagnosed during pregnancy, it might also affect the positioning and growth of the baby. The doctors will determine the severity with proper diagnosis measures and recommend treatment options to help you manage it for carrying out a regular menstrual cycle and healthy pregnancy.

So, if you are struggling with fibroids or any associated painful symptoms, schedule an appointment with Women’s Healthcare to get done with your diagnosis right away!

Neha Goel

Neha Goel, a Psychology alumna and MBA graduate from CASS Business School, London, brings together her expertise as a Reiki Practitioner and Practice Manager. She integrates psychology and business strategies to foster holistic well-being and personal development.