Uterine Fibroids in Pregnancy: Not So Benign?

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are common among women of reproductive age, but data about obstetric outcomes associated with fibroids are conflicting. Investigators conducted a large retrospective cohort study to characterize better the obstetric risks associated with these pathologically benign tumors. Of 64,000 women with complete obstetric follow-up at a single U.S. university institution, fibroids were identified in more than 2000 (3.2%) at routine second-trimester ultrasound examination. Demographic information and data on pregnancy and delivery outcomes were compared in women with versus without fibroids.

Compared with women who did not have fibroids, those who did were more likely to be older (mean age, 35 vs. 30), to be black, to repo…