Fibroids and a Painful Pregnancy

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Thanks for your question. A fibroid is a benign (non-cancerous) growth in the uterus, usually in the muscle layer. Fibroids usually cause no problems, but can cause heavy bleeding, because their presence increases the surface area of the uterine lining. In pregnancy, the mother’s estrogen levels increase around 1000-fold, which encourages the growth of her uterus, including the fibroid.

When enlarged a fibroid can cause pressure on surrounding structures in the pelvis, including the nerves, bladder and bowel. If large, they can also take up space in the uterus, making it difficult for the baby to find a good position for birth. In some uncommon cases, a fibroid at the bottom can block the outlet, making a cesarean likely. A large fibroid in early pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage and in later pregnancy may increase the chance of an early birth. 

Unfortunately, medicine does not have any effective treatments for fibroids apart from surgery and drugs that reduce estrogen- obviously not a good idea in pregnancy.

My personal suggestion would be to look at some alternative treatments, particularly acupuncture and Chinese herbs, which can be effective. Make sure you use a practitioner who is skilled with pregnancy complications.

Other treatments that may be helpful include chiropratic, osteopathy or craniosacral therapy (as you have seen, can reduce pain and pressure symptoms) and homeopathy.

I would also suggest some gentle dialogue with your body and your uterus, asking your body to help during pregnancy. You can also use visualization (including artwork) imagining your fibroids reducing in size. At the least, this will help you to make friends with, and explore the meaning of, the emergence of the fibroids in your body. You might also talk with your baby about their experience. My belief is that everything our body does has meaning and can help us in our development, physically, emotionally and spiritually

Many blessings on your journey

RESOURCES

What is a fibroid?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uterine_fibroids

http://www.womenshealthlondon.org.uk/leaflets/fibroids/fibroidsliving.html

Fibroids and pregnancy

http://www.womens-health.co.uk/fibroids.asp

http://www.babycenter.com.au/preconception/suspectingaproblem/fibroids/ 

Acupuncture and herbs for fibroids

http://www.acupuncture.com/conditions/fibroid.htm

http://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Treatment+of+Endometriosis+and+Fibroids+with+Acupuncture

 I would like to add that a Certified Classical Homeopath is a professional that you should consult now, while the condition is acute and for the future, that is, after delivery of your child to prevent recurrence.

 You can find a practitioner on the website of the national Center for Homeopathy at www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org. You can also find all sorts of information about self care, well care and prevention for your child. This is a membership organization with low dues and access to forumsn blogs and chats to suit your healthcare needs. become a member and a part of the ever growing community of wise women in healthcare..MOMS!

Blessings, Dr. Nancy Gahles