Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Pregnancy and Ovarian Cysts

By Jay Tyler

Quite common among all women, ovarian cysts usually take the shape of a small, round sac filled with fluid. Women even get ovarian cysts during pregnancy which happens in approximately one out of every thousand pregnancies.

The great majority of ovarian cysts discovered during pregnancy are benign cysts. Malignant cysts during pregnancy are less common. Ovarian cysts are classified as benign or malignant by doctors using ultrasound machines. If the mass lacks thick walls with no evidence of septation and is filled with fluid, it is probably a benign cyst. However, ultrasound is not one hundred percent accurate.

Ovarian cysts, even those that are benign, will grow large. This in turn can create complications during pregnancy. Though large cysts cause pain to both pregnant and non-pregnant women, a rupture of a large ovarian cyst during pregnancy can cause a risk of a miscarriage or premature labor. Pre-term delivery may occur due to complications brought about by an ovarian cyst during pregnancy.

Ovarian cysts generally do not pose a threat to the health of a pregnant woman unless the cyst grows and breaks apart. Even when an ovarian cyst ruptures, infection is unlikely. Pain can result from a rupturing cyst, however. Using pain relievers can lessen the pain and will not interfere with pregnancy. Even with an ovarian cyst during pregnancy, anesthesia can still be used throughout labor. Therefore, ovarian cysts without further issues do not present concerns to pregnancy.

The only time when a ovarian cyst generally requires surgery is when it it becomes twisted. The surgery to correct the problem will usually not cause any pregnancy complications. But with every surgery there are going to be risks that should be avoided at all costs if possible. Generally, removal will only be preformed if the cyst grows any larger then 6 CM in diameter.

If the decision has been made that the ovarian cyst needs to be removed the best time that should take place is usually during the second trimester because it usually means having less complications. While large cysts require a actual incision for removal, most times the surgery can be done through laparoscopy. Due to the chances of the ovarian cysts bursting, especially larger cysts need to be monitored very closely by your doctor.

In short, while ovarian cysts during pregnancy are fairly common, they should be closely monitored throughout the pregnancy. Ovarian cysts are generally no worse for the health of the would-be mother than they would be at any other time. - 14130

About the Author:

No comments: