Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy

Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy in Turkey: Will It Harm My Baby?

Why do ovarian cysts form during pregnancy? Learn about corpus luteum and dermoid cysts, rupture risks, and safe timing for surgery. Expert obstetric care in Istanbul with Dr. Cengiz Andan.

Surprise Guests During Pregnancy: Are Cysts Dangerous?

The excitement of a positive pregnancy test and the first ultrasound can sometimes be clouded by worry when your doctor says, “There is a cyst on your ovary.” Naturally, the first questions a mother-to-be asks are: “Will it hurt my baby?” or “Will it cause a miscarriage?”

At Dr. Cengiz Andan’s Clinic, we want to reassure you immediately: The vast majority of cysts detected during pregnancy are benign and are actually a natural part of the pregnancy process. Most cysts will shrink and disappear on their own as the pregnancy progresses. Only a very small percentage show growth tendencies or require surgical intervention.

This guide explains which cysts are harmless, which carry risks, and how we manage emergencies safely during pregnancy.

1. Most Common Cyst Types Seen in Pregnancy

Most cysts seen during pregnancy are directly related to the formation and development of the baby.

1. Corpus Luteum Cyst (The “Yellow Body” Cyst):This is the most common and most innocent cyst in pregnancy.

• Function: After the egg is released, the follicle shell remains and starts secreting Progesterone. This hormone is vital for the baby to implant and be nourished during the first 3 months.
• Course: Usually, after the 10th-12th week, when the placenta takes over hormone production, this cyst shrinks and disappears. It requires no treatment.

1. Dermoid Cysts:These are cysts that existed before pregnancy but are often discovered during the routine ultrasound. They contain tissues like hair, fat, and teeth. They do not disappear on their own but are generally harmless unless they grow large.
2. Endometrioma (Chocolate Cyst):Seen in patients with endometriosis. Due to the suppression of the menstrual cycle during pregnancy, they usually do not grow; in fact, they sometimes shrink (regress). Rarely, they can cause pain.
3. Symptoms: When Should You Be Suspicious?

Most cysts are silent and found accidentally. However, if the cyst grows or a complication develops, the following may occur:

• Groin Pain: One-sided, stinging pain or a sensation of fullness/heaviness.
• Pressure Sensation: Frequent urination or constipation due to pressure on the bladder or bowel.
• Sudden, Severe Pain: This could be a sign of an emergency (Torsion or Rupture).

3. Potential Risks and Complications

Cysts generally do not interfere with the baby’s organ development or cause disabilities. The risk is related to the mechanical behavior of the cyst itself.

1. Ovarian Torsion (Twisting):The most serious risk. If a cyst (especially a heavy Dermoid cyst) grows, it can cause the ovary to twist around its stalk. This cuts off blood flow, causing excruciating pain and vomiting. Emergency surgery is required.
2. Cyst Rupture (Bursting):The cyst wall can stretch and tear. This causes sudden pain. It is mostly managed with painkillers and observation, but if internal bleeding occurs, surgery is needed.
3. Birth Obstruction:Very large cysts (over 8-10 cm) located low in the pelvis can block the entrance to the birth canal, preventing normal delivery and necessitating a C-section.
4. Diagnosis and Monitoring Process

Diagnosis is made via Ultrasound. Since CT scans involve radiation, they are not used in pregnancy. If the structure of the cyst looks suspicious (potential malignancy, etc.), an MRI can be safely performed; it poses no harm to the baby.

Monitoring: If the cyst is simple and smaller than 5-6 cm, we simply measure it at every prenatal visit. No intervention is taken.

5. Treatment: Is Surgery Safe During Pregnancy?

In principle, we avoid surgery during pregnancy whenever possible. However, surgery becomes mandatory if:

• The cyst grows very rapidly or looks suspicious for cancer.
• Torsion (twisting) occurs (Risking the mother’s and ovary’s life).
• It causes severe, unmanageable pain.

The Safest Time: 2nd Trimester (Weeks 14-24) If there is no immediate emergency but surgery is deemed necessary, the ideal window is between the 14th and 24th weeks. By this time, the baby’s organ development is complete, and the uterus is not yet large enough to make surgery difficult. Dr. Cengiz Andan performs these surgeries via Laparoscopy (Keyhole Surgery), safely removing the cyst without touching the uterus or harming the baby.

Dr. Cengiz Andan offers advanced diagnostic and surgical solutions for high-risk pregnancies in Istanbul, combining safe surgical techniques with world-class medical care for international patients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. If my cyst ruptures, will it harm the baby?Answer:The cyst fluid does not reach the baby; the baby is protected inside the amniotic sac. However, the pain and stress from the rupture can trigger uterine contractions. Therefore, you may need to be hospitalized for observation, pain relief, and IV fluids.
2. Can my cyst be removed during a C-section?Answer:Yes. If the cyst is large and unlikely to disappear after birth (like a Dermoid cyst), it can be removed (Cystectomy) through the same incision during the C-section. However, the uterus is very vascular during pregnancy, so the surgeon decides based on the risk of bleeding.
3. Is an MRI harmful during pregnancy?Answer:No. MRI uses magnetic fields, not radiation. It is safe to use, especially after the first trimester, and is very valuable for distinguishing between benign and malignant cysts.
4. Does the cyst squeeze the baby?Answer:No. The baby is inside the uterus, while the cyst is on the ovary (outside the uterus). No matter how large the cyst gets, it does not reduce the baby’s growing space or crush the baby.
5. I have a cyst; can I have a normal delivery?Answer:Yes. Unless your cyst is extremely large and positioned very low, blocking the birth canal (which is rare), it does not prevent you from having a vaginal birth.