Fibroid Treatment After Childbirth: A New Mom's Guide

If you are considering fibroid treatment after childbirth, there are a few important factors to consider. First, know that most doctors recommend waiting until six months after delivery to treat your uterine tumors. Next, remember that your fibroids may have changed during pregnancy, so you may need to manage your tumors and symptoms differently following childbirth. Finally, it’s important to understand that you can find post-partum fibroid relief without surgery. In this post, we highlight tips for managing fibroids and explore post-partum fibroid treatment options. 

What Are Fibroids?

What are fibroids? These are non-cancerous uterine tumors that cause symptoms such as cramping, constipation and the need to urinate frequently. While the exact cause of fibroid formation is unknown, hormonal fluctuations can affect their growth and development. As such, you may experience changes in symptoms during and after pregnancy. 

Fibroids and Pregnancy

Many women experience changes in the size of their fibroids during pregnancy. This 2022 study in Fertility and Sterility revealed that fibroids may grow larger during the first trimester of pregnancy, tending to shrink in the second and third trimester. However, while your fibroids may get smaller during your pregnancy, they are likely to return to their pre-pregnancy proportions by the six month post-partum mark. 

Postpartum Fibroid Changes

Fibroids after childbirth experience changes. By about six months after delivery, the uterine tumors are likely to be done with these changes and ready for treatment. But prior to that time, the fibroids may experience temporary shrinking as your uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy state through a process known as involution. 

Uterine Involution

Immediately after childbirth, the uterus begins the process of involution, during which it contracts to first expel the placenta and then return to its pre-pregnancy size. During this process, the organs muscular walls repeatedly squeeze and relax. During this period, the contractions—combined with post-partum and breastfeeding-related hormonal changes—can cause further shrinking of fibroids. Many women see their symptoms resolve completely in this initial period following childbirth. 

Symptoms of Fibroids After Childbirth

While some women experience fibroid-symptom relief following childbirth, others may find that their symptoms worsen as their levels of estrogen and progesterone change. It’s important to monitor your changing symptoms during this time so you can discuss your experience when seeking fibroid treatment after childbirth. Keep in mind that certain symptoms, such as bleeding and cramping, may be a normal part of the post-partum experience rather than a sign of the worsening effects of uterine tumors. 

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

Uterine fibroids are rarely dangerous. But certain symptoms, including heavy bleeding during menstrual periods, can lead to anemia, seriously impacting your general well-being. As such, you can consult with a healthcare provider regarding any fibroid symptoms you experience; ignoring these concerns may eventually result in a disruption to your daily activities. 

Treatment Options for Fibroids After Childbirth

When seeking fibroid treatment after childbirth, you will have several treatment options. If you have completed your family and do not wish to become pregnant in the future, you may choose to undergo a hysterectomy—the surgical removal of your uterus. However, there are also non-surgical treatment options to choose from—including uterine fibroid embolization—that can provide fibroid relief without invasive incisions or extended hospital stays. 

Non-Surgical Treatments

When managing fibroids after childbirth, you can choose from a range of non-surgical treatments. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may find relief by making changes to your diet and exercise routines—more on that below. Medications, including some forms of hormonal birth control, can also help manage certain symptoms of fibroids. And, if you are at least six months post-partum, you can explore UFE at Georgia Fibroids. (Complete these simple UFE screening questions to help determine if you are a candidate for this minimally-invasive fibroid treatment.) 

Why Non-Surgical Treatments are Preferable to Surgical Alternatives

When comparing myomectomy (the surgical removal of individual fibroids) and hysterectomy vs UFE or other non-surgical treatments, there are several notable advantages. UFE delivers symptom relief that is comparable to that enjoyed from a myomectomy. Plus, non-surgical treatments provide their relief without the need for general anesthesia, overnight hospital stays, or the need for extended down time during your recovery period. 

Managing Fibroids After Pregnancy

When considering fibroid treatment after childbirth, it’s important to look at the severity of your symptoms. You should also be honest about your desire to experience a future pregnancy. And regardless of the treatment option you select, you can always make changes to your diet and lifestyle to further reduce your fibroid symptom burden. 

Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments

However you choose to treat fibroids, adjusting your diet and lifestyle can have a positive effect. Try to limit processed, fatty and sugary foods; instead, choose foods that are high in fiber and nutrients. Prioritize sleep and stress management and engage in regular exercise. In combination, these lifestyle adjustments could help prevent fibroid growth while helping you manage existing symptoms. 

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Tracking your symptoms of fibroids after pregnancy will help you determine if and when treatment will be necessary. See your healthcare provider if you notice new or worsening symptoms. And be sure to discuss your future family planning goals when considering treatment options. 

Future Pregnancy Considerations

Fibroids can impact your fertility, so many women who were diagnosed with these tumors during pregnancy choose to seek treatment after childbirth. If you wish to experience future pregnancies, hysterectomy must be eliminated as a treatment option. Women can go on to become pregnant after myomectomy or UFE, but each procedure must be carefully considered if you are not finished building your family. If you wish to explore UFE after childbirth, we invite you to request a consultation with our team at Georgia Fibroids.