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Childbirth/fibroids - how to shrink when pregnant

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Expert: - 1/19/2009


Question
Do you know what I can do or take to help shrink a large fibroid I have that was found on my first ultrasound?  I am now about 3.5 months along.  I have researched the Internet but find many herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy.  I would like to also have a vaginal water birth in a birth center.  What do you know about fibroids and vaginal birth versus needing a c section....?  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Wendi,

Uterine fibroids are benign (not cancer) growths in the uterus.  They occur in about 25–50% of all women. They typically don't cause problems during pregnancy unless they are very large or block the cervix.

I know of no reliable way to shrink fibroids during pregnancy. However, most don't need any treatment at all.


In the vast majority of cases, a vaginal birth is completely possible.


Rarely, a large fibroid can block the opening of the uterus or keep the baby from passing into the birth canal. In this case, a cesarean delivery is done. In most cases, even a large fibroid will move out of the fetus's way as the uterus expands during pregnancy.


Very rarely, myomectomy (surgical removal of the fibroid) may be performed in a pregnant woman. Cesarean birth may be needed after myomectomy.


For more information read: http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp074.cfm


Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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