Are ovarian cysts during pregnancy dangerous? In most cases, no. But you do need to be aware of what's going on in your body so that you can protect both yourself and your baby. When you are pregnant, any health issue can become a huge concern. This is especially true of ovarian cysts. During pregnancy, it's not uncommon for a woman to get a cyst. Most of the time, it will clear up on its own. However, there are some symptoms of complications that you need to be aware of.
Causes of Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy
The most common type of cyst that develops during pregnancy is the corpus luteum cyst. The corpus luteum is a type of cyst that forms when the follicle that releases the egg fails to dissolve. This happens in a surprising number of pregnancies. For some reason, the changing hormones that occur at the start of your pregnancy cause the burst follicle to reseal and fill with fluid. Most of the time, this will dissolve in a few weeks.
Occasionally, a preexisting cyst may be present when you get pregnant. This can be one of the more dangerous types, especially if the cyst contains solid material. If your doctor finds one of these on the ultrasound, he will most likely want to treat you for it, as a solid cyst can be cancerous. The normal treatment is laparascopic surgery performed in the second trimester.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Most women will not even know that they have a cyst while they are pregnant. The only indication you may receive is your doctor telling you about it. However, some women will have several symptoms. These are:
- Feeling of pressure or fullness in the abdomen.
- Difficulty urinating - from a larger cyst pressing on the bladder.
- Pain in the lower stomach, generally located on the side of the cyst.
- Pain in the lower back.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Some of these symptoms may occur as a normal part of pregnancy. However, there are a few symptoms that can indicate a complication with the cyst. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away.
- Sudden increase in pain - may be debilitating.
- Symptoms of shock - cold, clammy skin; shallow, rapid breathing; rapid or weak pulse.
- Fever
Complications with Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy
The two complications that can occur with an ovarian cyst at any time, including during pregnancy, are a burst ovarian cyst and ovarian torsion.
Ovarian torsion happens when the cyst becomes so large and heavy that it pulls the ovary down, causing it to twist. This cuts off the blood supply to the ovary, which can result in ovarian death if not treated right away. Generally, you will feel intense, debilitating pain in the side the ovary is located on. Ovarian torsion is treated surgically.
A ruptured cyst occurs when the cyst becomes so large that its walls weaken. Eventually, one gives way, causing the fluid inside to spill out. This generally feels like a sharp stabbing pain, followed by burning, as the cystic fluid will irritate the surrounding tissue. You also may experience bleeding like a period.
A ruptured cyst also requires immediate treatment, as you can get an infection from it. You will generally be admitted to the hospital, given antibiotics via an IV, and be observed to make sure you don't have any internal bleeding.
Are Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy Dangerous? Facts You Need to Know
