Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy

Women who find out that they are going to become a mother in nine months probably never thought they could develop ovarian cysts during pregnancy, but the truth is they can. The mother to be will more then likely want to know if this will affect her unborn child. There is little danger during the pregnancy unless the cyst grows to a large diameter.

Most ovarian cysts will go away in a few weeks. Your physician more then likely will use ultrasound to determine if the growth is benign or cancerous. The cysts should be monitored closely by your doctor as a precautionary measure.

Ovarian cysts, even if they are benign can grow to a very large diameter and cause complications during the pregnancy. A large cyst whether you are pregnant or not can cause pain and discomfort. If a large cyst ruptures during your pregnancy it has the potential to cause premature labor or worse, a miscarriage.

The mother to be will rarely have a problem with the growths during pregnancy unless the cyst grows too large or ruptures. In most cases if the cyst does rupture pain will be the only problem, unless an infection develops, which only happens in rare cases. Pain relievers can be used to manage the pain and will not interfere with the pregnancy. Your doctor will advise you as to what pain medication you can use.

There are only a limited number of treatment options available to you during your pregnancy. Surgery is about your only option your physician will have if the cyst becomes too large and poses a threat to your unborn child. When it comes to surgery there is always a risk involved, and it is better to avoid this procedure if possible during pregnancy.

If the cyst reaches a diameter of six centimeters or larger, or if it becomes twisted, also known as "torsion," surgery is usually required. The operation has a chance of fewer complications if performed during the second trimester, around 14-16 weeks. Ovarian cysts are removed by a procedure called laparoscopy, where 2or 3 small incisions are made to remove the growth. In the case of a very large cyst a large open incision called a laparotomy is performed.

There are natural ways to relieve the pain that comes with ovarian cysts during pregnancy, and these methods are completely safe for both mother and baby. Natural remedies can keep your body in hormonal balance and also help dissolve the cysts. Even if you feel your child bearing days are over you should still seriously consider natural methods now so you will not have to worry about dealing with the pain and the anxiety caused by ovarian cysts.