Can I have a baby if I have uterine fibroids?

Patients with uterine fibroids can generally have children, but a comprehensive evaluation is required based on the size, location and symptoms of the fibroids. Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors of the female reproductive system. In most cases, they do not affect pregnancy. However, submucosal fibroids or excessively large fibroids may increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, etc.

When fibroids are small and do not compress the uterine cavity, they usually have little impact on pregnancy. These types of fibroids are mostly located between the muscle walls or under the serosa. They may temporarily increase in size due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, but they usually shrink after delivery. Before preparing for pregnancy, it is recommended to confirm the location and size of fibroids through ultrasound examination. If the diameter is less than 5 cm and does not affect the endometrium, you can try to conceive naturally. During pregnancy, it is necessary to regularly monitor changes in fibroids, pay attention to fetal heart and fetal movements, and avoid strenuous exercise or abdominal pressure.

When fibroids are located in the submucosa or exceed 5 cm in diameter, they may prevent the fertilized egg from implanting or squeeze the fetal growth space. This type of condition may be accompanied by increased menstrual flow, anemia, or a history of recurrent miscarriage, and requires hysteroscopic or laparoscopic surgery to remove fibroids before pregnancy. It is necessary to use contraception for 1-2 years after the operation, and wait until the uterine wound has completely healed before preparing for pregnancy. If red degeneration of fibroids is found during pregnancy, severe abdominal pain may occur, requiring hospitalization for conservative treatment.

During pregnancy preparations, you should maintain a regular schedule, avoid taking estrogen-containing health products, and record your menstrual cycle every month. After pregnancy, it is necessary to increase the frequency of prenatal check-ups and choose an experienced obstetrician for follow-up management. The status of the fibroids needs to be re-evaluated during the 42-day postpartum review. Decreased hormone levels during lactation may cause the fibroids to shrink naturally, and no special treatment is required.