About 80 percent of Black women will develop fibroids within their lifetime. We are two to three times more likely than our white counterparts to be diagnosed with fibroids. The reasons for the increased risk in Black women are not well understood, but some data suggest that low vitamin D levels (a deficiency common in Black people) and obesity (with Black women having higher rates) can increase the likelihood of developing fibroids.
Pregnancy and Fibroids
Fibroids can cause many disabling problems, especially during pregnancy. They may increase the risk of:
- Premature labor
- Placenta previa
- Repeat miscarriages
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Abnormal presentation of the fetus
- Rarely, interference with the movement of the fetus through the vagina during labor
It may seem scary, but there is support for Black women dealing with fibroids. For those of us dealing with them during pregnancy, here are 6 facts you need to know:
1. It’s Possible To Have A Normal Pregnancy
In some cases, the risk of fibroids during pregnancy is higher and can cause complications depending on where the fibroids are located and how big they are. However, most women who have fibroids go on to have normal pregnancies and even successful vaginal deliveries.
2. Complications Can Arise During Pregnancy
It’s important to know that the location of the fibroid largely determines whether complications arise and the level of said complications.
Depending on their type, fibroids sometimes increase the risk of a miscarriage during the first and second trimester. Fibroids in the uterine cavity are the ones most likely to cause a miscarriage.
3. Complications Can Also Arise During Delivery
Fibroids don’t prevent women from having a vaginal delivery. However, fibroids located in the lower part of the uterus could block the baby’s descent. In that case, a C-section will have to be performed. The same applies when multiple fibroids are present and could prevent the uterus from contracting normally, stalling the labor.
4. It Can Bring Risks To Baby
In rare cases, complications may occur if the placenta grows over the surface of a fibroid inside the uterus. This could lead to the improper supply of nutrients to the baby resulting in low birth weight or causing the amniotic sac to rupture prematurely. However, it is highly unlikely that fibroids will harm the baby.
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5. There Are Treatments Available During Pregnancy
Most fibroids don’t need any treatment if the symptoms are not causing too many problems. If you do experience any complications, your doctor will determine the best course of action involving medicine or surgery based on the type of fibroid and the symptoms.
Those options may include medication, surgery through myomectomy, focused ultrasound, or thermal techniques.
6. There Are Home Remedies Too
There are plenty of home remedies available that can be used to shrink uterine fibroids naturally without surgery. These remedies and treatments can be included as part of a healthy lifestyle for fibroid uterus treatment naturally. These include castor oil packs, green tea, apple cider vinegar, Burdock root tea, garlic, and Indian gooseberry.
