Here's a question...

[happyartmama]

Have a first-time mom who has a large fibroid tumor in her uterus. Her docs (who pretty much have the highest reputation for medically-inclined/interventions, etc.) are already talking to her about c-sec.

I have no experience with this issue. Is it a valid concern? What is the risk/possiblities in laboring and trying for a vaginal birth?

She's wondering what the risks are, or if her caregivers are just pushing her toward c-sec. "just because"....any thoughts?

[Reha]

From what I understand, it would really depend on the location and size of the fibroid. If it indeed large still by the end of her pregnancy and in the lower uterine segment, I think that it could in theory either prevent dilation from completing, or prevent descent of the baby...but it would have to be pretty low!

IMO, it is certainly prudent to not make be scheduling a cesarean atm. I don't know how far along she is in her pregnancy, but if it were me, I would wait to see what happens with the fibroid during pregnancy (they sometimes get smaller) and most likely just go on to birth my baby at home.

Of course, there is a high possibility that her care providers would be talking to her about a cesarean even if she didn't have a fibroid for some other reason they would 'find'. :

[wumanh]

It also matters which layers of the uterus it is in. It could cause hemorrhaging. Seems like she needs to ask a lot more questions. where is it? which layers? what may happen? what will be done about it? what are the risks of any treatment? what if she does nothing? etc. Get a 2nd opinion.

[chandasz]

I have a dear friend who has fibroids. They grow during pregnancy. She has had 2 c-sections.

The fibroids seem to block the descent. They also seemed to restrict baby's movement and the first one was breech.

I think it depends on the location of these fibroids.

I have never heard about hemhorrage being an issue but barring that- I don't see what the risk of going into labor would be?