Any ovarian growths during pregnancy similar to yours needs to be considered carefully with attention given to both your health and the baby’s. Many nodules that occur during pregnancy are undamaging and will take care of themselves without the need for medical treatment.
There can be difficulties with ovarian cysts during pregnancy, especially if the cysts are large, potentially malignant, or difficult to position. If the cysts are small and benign, your doctor may put you on bed rest with certain instructions to help your body resolve the issue. If the cysts are large or there is suspected pathology, then simple monitoring may not be an option.
Ovarian cysts are relatively common during pregnancy, occurring in one out of every 1,000 expectant women. However, the chances of these growths being cancerous is quite low, at around one in every 26,000 births in the US each year. If you have a large cyst, or nodules that are causing suspicion or blocking the growth or blood flow of the fetus or your ovary, surgery may be necessary.
If you are pregnant and have ovarian cysts, it is important to discuss all treatment options and decisions with your healthcare provider. Surgery to remove ovarian cysts is typically recommended between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy to reduce the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor. If you experience pain or distortion of the ovary, this could be a sign of rupture and may lead to a miscarriage or preterm labor.
