How to Deal With a Cyst on Ovaries During Pregnancy

Having a cyst on ovaries during pregnancy may be a problematic issue for both the developing fetus and the mother, especially if the cyst is a complex cyst – or worse, one that may turn out to be malignant or cancerous. Most of the time, a cyst on ovaries during pregnancy is detected during one of the routine prenatal examinations conducted by the doctor, the pelvic exam, and the palpitation of the lower abdomen (where the ovaries and uterus are located).

What are the symptoms that manifest if you have a cyst on ovaries during pregnancy?

If relying solely on physical symptoms, a cyst on ovaries during pregnancy in its early stages might actually escape notice, as many of the symptoms are almost identical to the signs of early pregnancy and the common aches and pains of the monthly menstrual cycle. But there are certain symptoms that, in the advanced stages of the formation of the cyst, are hard to pass off as “normal” and “regular”, such as bleeding, excruciating pain, and fainting, to name just a few. If any of these symptoms start to appear, one needs to see a physician right away. Even if these do not turn out to be a cyst on ovaries during pregnancy, these may possibly still be a sign that something else is wrong. It is, indeed, better to be safe than sorry.

Removing a Cyst on Ovaries During Pregnancy

It is possible to remove the cyst on ovaries during pregnancy, but there are factors to consider. One of these factors is if the risks involved in removing the cysts are outweighed by the benefits, or vice versa. That is why before the removal of the cyst on ovaries during pregnancy, the doctor must conduct the necessary tests to find out if the cyst is growing, if it may be cancerous, if the mother and the fetus can both survive the rigors of the necessary procedures, and ultimately, which procedure to perform.

There are two types of procedures that are acceptable in taking out a cyst on ovaries during pregnancy. The first procedure is the less invasive laparoscopy, which involves only a small incision and a safe scope-like instrument that is inserted to take out the cyst, or to aspirate it.

The second procedure to take out a cyst on ovaries during pregnancy would be the laparatomy. This procedure is necessary if the cyst is too big for the instruments to remove. This is an open incision surgery, which is a much more invasive type of surgery. It goes without saying that this would need general anesthesia.

Surgery is usually done during the second trimester, which is between the 4th and 6th months – unless, of course, the particular cyst on ovaries during pregnancy is on a level that warrants it to be removed earlier, or if the cyst had been discovered late. If the cyst fortunately doesn’t pose any immediate risks, treatment is often postponed until after the birthing, though, it’s still advisable to keep a close eye on it.