Uterine fibroids or fibroid tumors are non-cancerous growths that occur in the uterus of a woman. They are the most common tumors of the female genital tract and they often do not cause any symptoms. Due to increase in estrogen levels during pregnancy, fibroids can increase in size. They usually shrink in size after the pregnancy. According to Medline Plus, abdominal fullness, gas, or constipation, bleeding between periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pain during intercourse are some of the symptoms that may be experienced due to a fibroid tumor.
Premature Births
According to Medline Plus, uterine fibroids may cause complications in the form of premature births. Most women with uterine fibroids are able to carry their babies full-term. However, some women may deliver babies prematurely. This may occur due to the amount of space that the fibroid tumor takes inside the uterus of the woman. Since there is just not enough room for the baby to grow, a woman may deliver the baby prematurely.
Cesarean Section
According to Medline Plus, cesarean section is another complication of uterine fibroids. A fibroid may grow in the birth canal or may block it and obstruct labor. Fetal malpresentation may also occur due to the growth of fibroid tumors in the uterus. In fetal malpresentation, the baby is positioned wrongly. This may make it difficult for a woman to deliver the baby normally. In such cases, a cesarean section is required in which a surgery is performed and the baby is taken out through the mother's abdomen.
Severe Pain
According to Medline Plus, another complication of uterine fibroids during pregnancy is severe pain. Medline Plus says that severe pain may occur due to the presence of uterine fibroids. Some woman report heavy bleeding immediately after delivering the baby. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, when a fibroid is attached to the uterus by a stem, it may twist and cause pain, nausea, or fever. If a fibroid is growing rapidly or if it starts to break down, the woman may experience pain.
