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​​Discovering that you have fibroids during pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but for most women, it does not mean their pregnancy will be complicated. With the right information and appropriate medical support, the majority of women with fibroids go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

This guide explains what fibroids are, how they may affect your pregnancy, and what you can do to manage them safely.

What Are Fibroids and Why Do They Matter During Pregnancy?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the wall of the uterus. They are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary considerably in size, from as small as a pea to as large as a melon in some cases. Fibroids are extremely common — it is estimated that they affect up to 70% of women at some point during their lifetime, though many women are entirely unaware they have them.

Oestrogen plays a significant role in fibroid development. Because this hormone promotes fibroid growth, they tend to appear or enlarge during the reproductive years, when oestrogen levels are at their highest. This hormonal connection is also the reason fibroids become more clinically relevant during pregnancy. As oestrogen levels rise substantially in the first and second trimesters, existing fibroids may grow, which can introduce new symptoms or occasionally lead to complications requiring monitoring.​

Side view of a pregnant woman cradling her bare belly while standing by a window.

How Fibroids Can Affect Pregnancy

The reassuring news is that the vast majority of pregnancies affected by fibroids remain healthy and uncomplicated. Many women carry fibroids throughout their entire pregnancy without experiencing any significant problems at all.

That said, there are possible effects worth being aware of. Some women experience pain or discomfort, particularly if a fibroid grows rapidly or sits in an area of the uterus that comes under pressure as the baby develops. In some cases, fibroids may affect the position of the placenta, and there is a small risk of bleeding, particularly in early pregnancy. Larger fibroids or those located near the cervix are more likely to be clinically significant than smaller or higher-positioned ones.

The key message is this: having fibroids does not automatically mean having a difficult pregnancy. Each case is individual, and most fibroids cause no meaningful problems whatsoever.

Common Symptoms of Fibroids During Pregnancy

When fibroids do cause symptoms during pregnancy, these are the most frequently reported:

  • Abdominal pain or pressure, which may be constant or come and go
  • A feeling of bloating or fullness in the abdomen
  • Frequent urination, caused by pressure on the bladder
  • Lower back pain, particularly if a fibroid is positioned towards the back of the uterus

Some degree of abdominal discomfort is expected during pregnancy and does not always

indicate a problem with fibroids specifically. However, you should seek medical advice promptly if you experience severe or sudden pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or any symptoms that feel unusual or are getting worse.

What Causes Fibroid-Related Pain?

Fibroid pain during pregnancy most commonly results from a process called degeneration. When a fibroid grows rapidly, it can outpace its own blood supply, causing the tissue inside to break down. This process, though not dangerous, can be genuinely painful and may cause localised tenderness or a dull, persistent ache.

Hormonal shifts throughout pregnancy also contribute to pain by stimulating fibroid activity. As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby, fibroids can come under increasing pressure, which further adds to discomfort. In straightforward terms, the combination of hormonal changes and physical expansion creates conditions in which fibroids are more likely to be felt.

Smiling pregnant woman in a gray tank top holding her belly by a bright window.

​How to Deal With Fibroids During Pregnancy Safely

Managing fibroids during pregnancy is largely about careful monitoring, appropriate symptom relief, and making small adjustments to your daily life. The following sections outline the main approaches your care team may recommend.

Regular Monitoring and Medical Guidance

Ultrasound is the primary tool used to monitor fibroids during pregnancy. Regular scans allow your doctor to observe whether a fibroid is growing, assess its position in relation to the placenta and cervix, and plan your care accordingly. Consistent medical supervision throughout your pregnancy is essential, particularly if fibroids were identified before conception or early in the first trimester.​

Managing Pain and Discomfort

Rest is one of the most effective and accessible ways to ease fibroid-related discomfort. Changing your position, using a supportive pillow, or simply lying down when pain intensifies can make a meaningful difference. Your doctor may recommend paracetamol for pain relief, as it is considered safe during pregnancy. Warm compresses applied gently to the lower abdomen can also provide relief, though you should always check with your healthcare provider before using heat therapy during pregnancy.

Lifestyle Adjustments That May Help

Light, low-impact movement such as walking can help reduce pelvic pressure and support overall wellbeing during pregnancy. Staying well hydrated is also beneficial, as dehydration can worsen discomfort and contribute to uterine cramping. Reducing stress where possible, through rest, gentle breathing exercises, or simply asking for support from those around you, can have a positive effect on how you experience symptoms day to day.

When Intervention May Be Needed

In rare cases, fibroids during pregnancy may lead to complications that require hospital observation or specialist management. This might include significant pain that cannot be managed at home, concerns about placental positioning, or signs of preterm labour. These situations are uncommon, but when they do arise, they are best handled in a specialist clinical setting where both mother and baby can be carefully monitored.

Can Fibroids Harm the Baby?

For the overwhelming majority of pregnancies, fibroids do not harm the baby. The foetus is well protected within the amniotic sac, and most fibroids, even larger ones, do not interfere with foetal development.

In a small number of cases, fibroids located near the placenta or in certain positions within the uterine cavity may be associated with a slightly increased risk of complications such as preterm birth or restricted foetal growth. However, these outcomes remain uncommon and are far more likely to be identified and managed effectively when regular monitoring is in place.

Labour and Delivery With Fibroids

For many women with fibroids, vaginal birth remains entirely possible. However, the size and location of fibroids can influence delivery planning. Fibroids positioned near the cervix or lower segment of the uterus may obstruct the birth canal, in which case a caesarean section is likely to be recommended. Your obstetrician will take into account the specific characteristics of your fibroids, your overall pregnancy, and your personal circumstances when discussing the most appropriate delivery plan with you. Personalised care planning is essential in these conversations.​

Pregnant woman sitting cross-legged on a bed holding her bare belly.

​When to Speak to a Specialist

You should not hesitate to contact a specialist if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe or persistent abdominal pain that does not ease with rest or standard pain relief
  • Any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
  • A sudden change in the nature or intensity of your symptoms
  • Any symptom that causes you significant concern or anxiety

Seeking advice is always the right thing to do. No concern is too small, and early guidance is far preferable to waiting and worrying.​

​​​How London Women’s Centre Can Support You During Pregnancy With Fibroids

At London Women’s Centre, we understand that managing fibroids during pregnancy requires both clinical expertise and genuine compassion. Our team brings extensive experience in complex gynaecological care, including the ongoing management of fibroids. We offer personalised, patient-centred support tailored to your specific situation, with access to careful monitoring and specialist guidance at every stage. Our clinic provides a calm, supportive environment where you can ask questions, discuss your concerns openly, and feel confident that you are in safe hands.​