Can a Fibroid Burst During Pregnancy?

Fibroid Changes During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes, and fibroids can change too. The hormones that help your baby grow, like oestrogen, can also make fibroids bigger, especially in the first few months. As the fibroid grows, it might cause some discomfort.

Common symptoms of fibroids during pregnancy include mild pain, cramping, or a feeling of pressure in your lower belly. This happens because the growing fibroid presses on other organs. Sometimes, a fibroid can outgrow its blood supply, causing it to break down. This process is called degeneration, and it can be quite painful, but it is not the same as a fibroid bursting.

The Rare Complication: Fibroid Rupture

The idea of a fibroid bursting, or rupturing, is frightening. It’s important to know that this is an incredibly rare event. In fact, medical records show fewer than 30 reported cases of a fibroid spontaneously bursting during pregnancy worldwide. While it is a serious medical emergency when it happens, it is not a common risk for pregnant women with fibroids.

It is helpful to understand the difference between fibroid degeneration and a true rupture. The most common type of degeneration during pregnancy is called “red degeneration.” This happens when the fibroid loses its blood supply, causing intense pain and sometimes a low-grade fever. However, the fibroid itself remains intact. A true rupture is when the fibroid wall breaks open, which can lead to bleeding inside the abdomen.

Why Can a Fibroid Burst?

Although very rare, there are a few reasons why a fibroid might burst during pregnancy. The main cause is related to changes in its blood supply. As the uterus expands to make room for the baby, the blood vessels feeding the fibroid can get stretched or twisted.

If a fibroid grows very quickly, its centre might not get enough blood and nutrients. This can weaken the fibroid’s structure, making it more fragile. In extremely rare instances, direct trauma or immense pressure from the growing uterus could also lead to a rupture, especially if the fibroid is on the outer surface of the uterus.

What Does a Rupture Feel Like?

The symptoms of a burst fibroid are sudden and severe, making it clear that something is wrong. A woman experiencing a rupture would likely feel a sharp, intense pain in her abdomen that doesn’t go away. This is very different from the usual aches and pains of pregnancy or even the pain from fibroid degeneration.

Because a rupture can cause internal bleeding, other serious symptoms may appear quickly. These include signs of shock, such as feeling dizzy, weak, or faint. A rapid heart rate, sweating, and a drop in blood pressure are also signs of a serious problem. If this happens, it is a medical emergency. Doctors will perform a physical exam and use an emergency ultrasound to see what is happening inside the abdomen and confirm the diagnosis.

Risks and Consequences

A burst fibroid is a life-threatening situation for both the mother and the baby. The main danger for the mother is severe internal bleeding, known as a haemorrhage. This can lead to a dangerous drop in blood volume, called hypovolemic shock, which requires immediate medical attention.

For the baby, the risks are linked to the mother’s condition. If the mother is unstable due to blood loss, the baby may not get enough oxygen, leading to fetal distress. The situation can also trigger preterm labour, increasing the risk of premature birth. Prompt medical care is crucial to manage these risks and protect both mother and child. A Fertility Specialist in Hyderabad can provide detailed counselling on these risks before pregnancy if you have known fibroids.

How Doctors Manage a Burst Fibroid?

When a fibroid bursts during pregnancy, the medical team acts quickly. The first step is to stabilise the mother. This usually involves giving intravenous (IV) fluids to restore blood volume and, if necessary, blood transfusions to replace lost blood.

Once the mother is stable, doctors must decide on the next steps. In many cases, emergency surgery is needed to stop the bleeding. The goal is to perform a myomectomy, which is a procedure to remove the fibroid while leaving the uterus intact so the pregnancy can continue. However, in very severe cases where the bleeding cannot be controlled, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) might be necessary to save the mother’s life.

How Doctors Manage a Burst Fibroid?

When a fibroid bursts during pregnancy, the medical team acts quickly. The first step is to stabilise the mother. This usually involves giving intravenous (IV) fluids to restore blood volume and, if necessary, blood transfusions to replace lost blood.

Once the mother is stable, doctors must decide on the next steps. In many cases, emergency surgery is needed to stop the bleeding. The goal is to perform a myomectomy, which is a procedure to remove the fibroid while leaving the uterus intact so the pregnancy can continue. However, in very severe cases where the bleeding cannot be controlled, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) might be necessary to save the mother’s life.

Prevention and Monitoring

Since a fibroid rupture is so rare, there is no specific way to prevent it. However, careful monitoring during pregnancy is the best approach for women with known fibroids, especially if they are large or numerous. Regular ultrasound scans can track the size and condition of the fibroids.

Your doctor will also counsel you on the warning signs to watch for. Knowing the difference between normal pregnancy discomfort and signs of a serious problem is key. If you ever experience severe, sudden abdominal pain, you should seek medical care immediately. This vigilance ensures that if a problem does occur, it can be addressed right away.

FAQ

Can fibroids burst during pregnancy?

A fibroid bursting during pregnancy is extremely rare. Most pregnant women with fibroids have normal pregnancies. The condition becomes serious only if a rupture leads to internal bleeding, which requires emergency medical care.

What symptoms indicate a fibroid may have ruptured?

The main symptoms include sudden, sharp abdominal pain that does not ease, dizziness, fainting, fast heartbeat, and severe weakness. These signs suggest internal bleeding and must be treated as a medical emergency.

How do doctors treat a burst fibroid during pregnancy?

Doctors start by stabilising the mother with IV fluids and blood transfusions if needed. Emergency surgery is often required to stop the bleeding. In many cases, a myomectomy can save the uterus and allow the pregnancy to continue.

Conclusion

To summarise, a fibroid bursting during pregnancy is an extremely rare but very serious complication. While most women with fibroids will have a healthy pregnancy without this issue, understanding the possibility is important. The main cause is related to rapid growth and changes in blood supply to the fibroid.

Vigilant medical care and close monitoring are essential for any pregnant woman with fibroids. Knowing the symptoms of a potential problem allows you to seek help quickly. With prompt treatment, the outcomes for both mother and baby are often good. The dedicated team at Mamata Fertility Hospital in Hyderabad is experienced in managing high-risk pregnancies and providing the multidisciplinary care needed to ensure the best possible health for you and your baby.