Fibroids and Pregnancy

Moving Beyond Worry

Like Scott, Johnson also was put on bed rest. After a rocky first trimester with several emergency room trips following episodes of intense pain, Johnson says her fibroids became more manageable, but far from pain-free.

At 29 weeks, she spent a night at the hospital after experiencing minor contractions and was given medication to calm the fibroids, which when agitated can cause the uterus to contract.

"I was a little concerned… when the pains were coming," says Johnson, who found herself able to manage the pain once knowing the baby was okay.

Johnson says six weeks later she was confident that the baby was a good size and that she shouldn't have any problems if the baby made an early debut. She focused on trying to enjoy the pregnancy and getting the baby's room ready.

Healthy Babies

Last April, Johnson, her husband, and their 10-year-old son, welcomed a healthy baby boy.

Johnson advises those facing a similar situation to "Do the best that you can. Eat right, take care of yourself, and just have faith." She adds seeing a high-risk doctor and having the additional ultrasounds eased a lot of stress. Johnson had her fibroids surgically removed three months after giving birth. "It's a relief overall to know they're gone," says Johnson.

Scott, who gave birth to a son in August 2006, marvels at the power of modern medicine. "Several years ago, I think [the fibroids] would have been a huge deterrent and potentially a cause of premature fetal delivery or even death, but today thank goodness for modern technology and great doctors. It definitely bumps you into a high-risk group, but as far as high risks go you are on the low end, because it's manageable."