Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy

An ovarian cyst is usually a harmless structure containing fluids with no symptoms. It is a common occurrence in women including pregnant women. Ovarian cysts during pregnancy occur at a ratio of about  1 in 1,000 women.

Most ovarian cysts found during pregnancy are benign cysts; it is rare for a woman to develop ovarian cancer, especially during pregnancy. One in 25,000 births have an incidence of ovarian cancer. Doctors use an ultrasound in order to identify ovarian cysts as benign or malignant.

Fluid-filled masses, without the thick walls of septation, are usually common, benign ovarian cysts. Nevertheless, an ultrasound cannot determine whether the ovarian cyst is benign or malignant with absolute certainty.

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.

Under most circumstance, women rarely have problems with ovarian cysts during pregnancy, so long as the ovarian cyst does not become too large or ruptures. Even if the ovarian cyst ruptures, the result is often only pain and rarely infection. This pain can be lessened through the use of pain relievers and will not interfere with the normal progress of pregnancy.

Moreover, despite their ovarian cyst, women can still use anesthesia during labor. Consequently, ovarian cysts do not present a huge threat during a pregnancy.

If an ovarian cyst grows and becomes twisted, it will require surgical removal. Generally speaking, the surgery won’t interfere with the pregnancy or harm the baby. That being said, surgery always involves risks and it’s better to avoid it during pregnancy if you can. Ovarian cysts measuring more than 6 cm in diameter will be often removed surgically unless they decrease in size by themselves.

Bear in mind that if they are big enough ovarian cysts during pregnancy will probably rupture. Most doctors simply keep an eye on the situation until the second trimester.  If warranted and depending on the size, ovarian cysts can be removed either by  laparoscopy or open incision.

It’s certainly possible for a woman to develop ovarian cysts while she is pregnant and such cysts should be monitored carefully. But usually there is nothing to fear, since ovarian cysts during pregnancy carry no greater risk than that for a woman who is not pregnant.