What Causes a Cyst in the Ovaries During Pregnancy?

Ovarian cysts are bubble-like structures filled with fluid or blood and commonly occur either in the ovary or on the surface of the ovary. Ovarian cysts are commonly seen in patients with PCOS and occur due to an imbalance in hormones. The cysts are non-cancerous and are often left undetected in most women. Most women only realize they have a cyst when they take an ultrasound for the first time during pregnancy. Signs that tell you an ovarian cyst may be an irregular menstrual cycle, a sharp pain on either side of the ovaries, and persistent bloating in the abdomen. In this blog, we have discussed possible causes for cysts in the ovaries while pregnant and how you can look out for signs and protect yourself from a cyst.

Also Read: How to Drain a Ganglion Cyst Yourself?

Why does a cyst form during pregnancy?

A cyst occurs when a ruptured follicle from the ovaries gets filled with blood or fluid and grows like a bubble. These filled structures are benign; they do not move around the body. However, cysts have only one risk: the fear of them being ruptured. If a cyst ruptures, the result will be pain in the abdomen, fever, and discomfort for a few days. The most common cysts to occur in the ovaries are,

• Follicular cyst- occurs when the follicle in the ovary does not rupture to release an egg. The hair remains closed and continues to grow.
• Corpus luteum cyst- occurs when the follicle has ruptured to release the egg. The ruptured follicle gets filled with fluid and continues to grow.

13 Causes of cyst in the ovaries while pregnant -

There is more than one reason you might be dealing with an ovarian cyst during pregnancy. A few known reasons are discussed below.

1. Age -

It is observed that ovarian cysts during pregnancy are most common between the ages of 30-40 years, indicating that a late pregnancy may hold responsibility for the cause of a cyst. Ovarian cysts, in general, are known to occur in women who have not hit the menopausal phase yet.

Also read: Menopause & The Changes It Brings With It

2. History of cyst -

A woman with abnormal hormonal changes who is on birth control medication and has issues managing a healthy weight is more at risk of developing an ovarian cyst at a young age. Women who conceive later in life will likely have an ovarian cyst during pregnancy. This is due to the history of cyst formation in the patient and the risk factors involved. A family history of ovarian cysts may also cause cysts in the ovaries while pregnant.

3. Corpus luteum cyst -

The follicle that releases the fertilized egg is called the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum typically disintegrates 12 days post the release of the egg. However, when the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum stays for 7-9 weeks during pregnancy and is responsible for stimulating and releasing needed hormones. Sometimes, the corpus luteum may not disintegrate even 10 weeks into the pregnancy, and the structure gets filled with blood and other fluid and continues growing. This cyst is not dangerous but may cause bloating and pain during pregnancy.

4. Expanding uterus -

Ovarian cysts may occur as your pregnancy progresses. The ever-expanding uterus bulks up and adds pressure against the walls of the ovaries. This may, in turn, result in a few changes in hormone production, resulting in the formation of an ovarian cyst.

5. Ectopic pregnancy -

An ectopic pregnancy is when the egg gets fertilized but does not get lodged in the uterus. The fertilized egg gets implanted in a place along the uterine tubes. The egg gets attached to a place not equipped to maintain or accommodate a growing fetus. When this occurs, the growing embryo may rupture the fallopian tube resulting in vaginal bleeding. Bleeding seen in such a case has a different consistency from a regular flow, and you must consult your gynecologist immediately.

Also Read: #LadiesAndBabies: Diabetes At Pregnancy

6. Fibroids -

Fibroids are an unfortunate, common occurrence in women but its cause is still not known. They are a non-cancerous group of cells that are found to grow in and around the uterus. These fibroid masses make the uterus heavy during pregnancy. This may exert unwanted pressure on the ovaries and cause cyst formation.

Also, Read Don't Miss These Pre-Pregnancy Tests

7. Early pregnancy loss -

A miscarriage that occurs during your pregnancy may cause an ovarian cyst. Early loss of pregnancy commonly occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy. Constant cramps, unbearable pain, and abnormal fluid discharge from your vagina signify that the uterus is trying to expel the miscarriage. This places undue pressure on the ovaries, which may result in a cyst.

Also Read: How to Clean Uterus after a Miscarriage Naturally?

8. Placental abruption -

The occurrence of placental abruption is the highest during the final trimester of pregnancy. It is typical because the placenta partially or completely tries to separate itself from the uterine wall. This change may cause sudden bleeding and pain in the pelvic region. If the blood does not move out of the vagina, it accumulates in the uterus, which may prove detrimental to the fetus. Contact your gynecologist immediately if you notice bleeding, pain, and swelling around your baby bump,

9. Hormonal issues -

Hormonal imbalance may occur due to increased stress levels, excessive alcohol consumption, insufficient sleep, and eating unhealthy foods. It can result in a prolonged uncontrolled hormonal situation, even during pregnancy. Hormonal issues can contribute to the development of cysts in the ovaries while pregnant. They can cause discomfort or complications during pregnancy, but many ovarian cysts resolve independently without treatment.

10. PCOS- medication that induces ovulation -

Part of the treatment for PCOS involves taking medication that induces the release of an egg. These medications may also stimulate the release of more eggs than usual. An imbalance in the levels of estrogen and progesterone may not cause the follicle to rupture. The follicle may continue unopened and become a follicular cyst in the ovary.

Read Also: PCOS: What it does to a woman's body

11. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease -

A pelvic infection arises from bacteria from the cervix. This bacteria may travel up into the ruptured follicles and get filled in them. These cysts that form due to infection are filled with bacteria and fluid and, if ruptured, can cause life-threatening sepsis.

12. Endometriosis -

The uterus typically creates a cushion for the fertilized egg to lodge itself by lining itself with blood and mucus. However, in endometriosis, this lining of blood and mucus takes place outside the uterus and not inside. It is an extremely agonizing condition. This outer lining may even get attached to the ovaries and give rise to a cyst.

13. Abnormal cell production -

Abnormal cell production rate and cell proliferation in the ovaries may be responsible for the uncontrolled release of hormones and eggs. Cystadenoma type of cysts occur from the surface cells of the ovaries.

Tips for managing ovarian cysts during pregnancy

• Undergo an ultrasound at the beginning of every trimester to check for fibroids or cysts.
• Keep your vagina and cervix free from bacterial infections.
• Eat healthily and exercise well during pregnancy.
• Be vigilant about bloating, pain, bleeding, and cramps. These signs are crucial and must not be avoided.
• Contact your doctor if you suspect an abnormality. Never wait on it.

Also, Read 13 amazing benefits of drinking coconut water during pregnancy

Conclusion -

An ovarian cyst is, unfortunately, a common occurrence in women. However, in this time and age, we are lucky to have quick diagnostic tools available that can detect the presence of the cyst as soon as the symptoms appear. While pregnant, ovarian cysts in the ovaries are benign and most often do not threaten the mother or baby. The cyst may even burst during pregnancy, with mild symptoms such as fever and abdominal pain. Care must be taken during pregnancy, as a cyst is common, and anyone can fall prey to this condition. Talk to women who have conceived to understand what to expect during a normal pregnancy. Take suitable steps to prevent cysts in the ovaries while pregnant! Consult your doctor if you notice any abnormalities due to cysts in the ovaries while pregnant. But above all, cyst or not, remember to enjoy the beautiful phase of your pregnancy.

Also Read: 15 Superfoods to Increase Estrogen Levels in Females