During pregnancy, a woman is often diagnosed with fluid in the ovary of a woman, in medical terminology this phenomenon is called the corpus luteum cyst of the ovary during pregnancy. It is formed even before conception, during ovulation, when a mature egg is released from the follicle.
The concept of neoplasm
The cyst of the corpus luteum during pregnancy in medicine is called a tumor-like neoplasm that has dense walls, and the inner space is filled with a yellow liquid. It should be noted that the most common development of cysts is only in one of the ovaries. This happens after the egg has matured and emerged, but instead of the normal formation of the follicle and a healthy natural corpus luteum, it is filled with serous fluid and its shape is stretched.
This disease can be absolutely not dangerous and asymptomatic, rarely it is accompanied by a slight pain in the lower abdomen.
The usual follicle size is from 25 to 35 mm. If it exceeds these parameters, then this indicates the presence of ovarian disease.
During pregnancy, corpus luteum cyst as a pathology of the ovaries is very rare, but can occur in women of any age. The main and important function of the corpus luteum is the production of the hormone progesterone, which affects the ability to conceive, carry and maintain pregnancy. Due to the low level of progesterone, pregnancy may be terminated in the early stages.
The cyst of the corpus luteum in the early stages of pregnancy does not bear serious danger and harm to the health of a woman and a baby, but only if there is no gap.
Early months of pregnancy
The dimensions and shapes of the corpus luteum indicate how it functions in a hormonal sense.
That is, the size of the follicle from 18 to 24 mm indicates the readiness for conception.
If pregnancy has occurred, then the normal size of the luteal body is from 20 to 25 mm.
But the excess of these sizes indicates a corpus luteum cyst during pregnancy. But it should be noted that it does not lose its function in the production of progesterone. But when you increase it to 70 mm and above, hormone production is most likely to stop.
But too small a corpus luteum, especially in the first months of pregnancy, is also not the norm. This may indicate that:
- It functions abnormally and progesterone is produced in insufficient quantities. In this case, correction is necessary with drugs that contain a hormone, otherwise pregnancy may be at risk.
- The level of hCG is low, which is very important, because it supports the natural and normal development of the embryo, therefore, a small size of the corpus luteum is a sign of impaired fetal development.
- Pregnancy can be ectopic or dead. In such conditions, the size of the corpus luteum is also below normal.
Ultrasound allows you to assess the condition of the pregnant woman and the baby. If all the results and tests are normal, and the corpus luteum in the first months of pregnancy is small, then the woman is prescribed medication that will support the process of bearing and the correct development of the baby.
What are the consequences of a cyst
Having discovered a corpus luteum cyst during pregnancy in the early stages, doctors assure that this will in no way affect the process of gestation and development of the fetus. At its core, such an education can be a normal functioning corpus luteum of pregnancy, which is able to regulate the rhythm of contraction of the fallopian tubes and dramatically inhibits uterine contractions.
In the normal state, the corpus luteum cyst during pregnancy has a rounded regular shape, with smooth and clear contours. Ultrasound diagnostics show that its contents are homogeneous and anechogenic. Its diameter varies from 40 to 70 mm.
It is quite common that the corpus luteum cyst during pregnancy already after 14-15 weeks begins its reverse development, in this case, the placenta begins to perform all the functions of the corpus luteum.
Violations of the integrity of the walls of the cyst can be dangerous, because as a result of this process, the entire contents of the neoplasm can pour into the abdominal cavity. A twisting of the cyst legs is also a threat, this can lead to tissue necrosis. In these cases, doctors will be required to resort to surgical intervention.
Factors that affect the occurrence of neoplasms
During pregnancy, the cyst of the corpus luteum of the right ovary or left, is formed in the place where the follicle burst, and the egg is released. This neoplasm develops due to disturbances in the circulation of lymph and improper blood circulation in the corpus luteum. But to establish the true causes of this phenomenon during pregnancy is very difficult.
A huge number of negative factors can affect the body of a pregnant woman, as a result of which a cyst forms. The most common ones are:
- Hormonal disorders in the body, including due to the use of contraceptives.
- Pathology of the thyroid gland.
- Earlier operations on the pelvic organs (abortion, curettage, and so on).
- Drug stimulation of ovulation in the treatment of infertility.
- Serious genital infections.
- Prolonged stress.
- Inflammation of the genitourinary system.
- Strict diets and prolonged fasting.
- Physical labor and stress.
- Harmful working conditions.
Many scientists believe that the development of the corpus luteum cyst is associated with a low level of childbearing. Nowadays, a modern woman gives birth to one maximum of two children, and the ovaries work continuously, that is, the number of menstruation during life is large. And they, in turn, lead to the appearance of various pathologies of the genital organs.
Symptoms
Basically, during pregnancy, a cyst of the corpus luteum of the left ovary or right proceeds completely asymptomatically. But there are women who note some signs of this neoplasm that they feel:
- Pain during exercise or sexual intercourse.
- Unpleasant periodic pulling pains in the lower abdomen.
- Discharges with an admixture of blood.
If the cystic body ruptured or its legs twisted, then the following symptoms appear:
- Intense, ongoing pain in the lower abdomen.
- Bleeding.
- Unpleasant uterine contractions.
- Vomiting, nausea, stool retention.
- Rapid pulse.
- Pallor of the skin.
During pregnancy, a colossal transformation occurs in a woman's body, which is accompanied by both positive and negative phenomena, one of which is a corpus luteum cyst during pregnancy. Pain with this diagnosis is not the norm, and if they occur, you should immediately go to the hospital.
Diagnostic Methods
A cyst is diagnosed as a result of a gynecological examination and ultrasound. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, they initially resort to a gynecological examination of the left and right ovaries. In this way, seals in the area of the appendages can be detected.
A cyst in the first months of pregnancy can also be detected by examination using a vaginal probe. This diagnostic method does not require preparation, it is only necessary to empty the bladder before starting.
How dangerous is a cyst for pregnancy
If the tumor-like neoplasm reaches a large size, then the following pregnancy complications may occur:
- Rupture of the cyst membrane and the ingress of its contents into the abdominal cavity.
- Twisting the legs of the cyst and tissue necrosis.
- Hemorrhage in the ovary.
The main signs of complications in the diagnosis of a corpus luteum cyst during pregnancy are pain in the lower abdomen, dizziness, nausea and weakness appear. In such situations, urgent surgery is needed to prevent the development of serious complications, such as peritonitis, inflammation of the abdominal cavity, sepsis, which can lead to death.
But it should be noted that the cyst occurs only in the first trimester and by the 4th month it very often resolves on its own, without any intervention.
Treatment
Cystic formation, as a rule, does not pose a threat to either the mother or the fetus. By the 20th week of pregnancy, it resolves independently; by this period, the placenta forms, which produces progesterone. But if the cyst bursts, it will lead to bleeding and poor health of the woman. In addition, ovarian disease can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. With such a threat, you should get rid of the cyst.
The most gentle surgical approach during pregnancy is laparoscopy. The cyst is removed using several punctures of the abdominal wall. An operation is performed under general anesthesia, the injuries during such manipulations are minimal, and after a few days a woman can leave the hospital. Pregnant women undergo a course of additional treatment after surgery, the purpose of which is to preserve the fetus.
ethnoscience
Ovarian cysticity during pregnancy is successfully treated with traditional medicine methods. But all recipes must be agreed with the doctor and carried out only under his supervision. Folk healers note that the golden mustache, chaga, the shell of pine nuts, and wax successfully cope with the problem.
But it should be remembered that for a woman who is in an interesting position, the main rule is: "Do not harm yourself or your baby."
Prevention
You can prevent the development of ovarian cysts with the help of an adequate and timely treatment of inflammation of the genitourinary system. It is important to maintain the hormonal background in optimal condition and adjust it, if necessary.
Principles for the prevention of cyst formation:
- Decrease in physical activities.
- Improving the body.
- Maintaining and strengthening the immune system.
- Normalization of the hormonal background.
During pregnancy, a woman is recommended:
- Eliminate heavy physical labor and stress.
- Avoid thermal wraps in the abdomen, and also do not visit the baths, solariums and saunas.
- Eat fully and properly, do not resort to starvation, comply with the drinking regime.
- Avoid stress and psycho-emotional stress as much as possible.
Conclusion
You should not panic if you find an ovarian cyst during pregnancy. This neoplasm does not pose any danger to the mother or child. It is necessary to do additional tests and follow the doctor’s recommendations. As a rule, a cyst will pass either by the 20th week, or by childbirth.
But if a pregnant woman experiences unpleasant pulling and persistent pains in the lower abdomen and she suspects that it hurts a cystic formation, then she urgently needs to see a doctor. A neoplasm detected during pregnancy should be constantly monitored by ultrasound and a gynecologist.