Ovarian Cysts: Symptoms, Types, Pregnancy, Causes & Treatment

What About Ovarian Cysts Diagnosed During Pregnancy?

An ovarian cyst can occasionally be seen during pregnancy during ultrasound examinations of the fetus. These have typically been discovered to be small, non-cancerous cysts with a diameter of less than 2 inches (5 cm). As previously mentioned, functional ovarian cysts are typically present during pregnancy. By the beginning of the second trimester, the majority of these ovarian cysts that are discovered in the first trimester spontaneously disappear.

The corpus luteum that develops in the ovary to sustain a normal early pregnancy may persist as a corpus luteum cyst later in the pregnancy.

Larger cysts in pregnant women are often dermoid cysts. Ovarian cancers are a very rare cause of large ovarian cysts in pregnancy.

Contact a healthcare professional if the following symptoms occur:

Fever

Abnormal pain or tenderness in the abdominal or pelvic area

Nausea or vomiting

Weakness, dizziness, or fainting

Pallor or anemia (possibly from loss of blood)

Abnormally heavy or irregular menstruation

Abdominal swelling or unusual increased abdominal girth

Abdominal pain in patients taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)

Increased facial hair

Excessive thirst or urination

Unexplained weight loss

A noticeable abdominal or pelvic mass

If any of the following symptoms appear, head straight to the emergency room at a hospital:

Weakness, dizziness, or feeling faint, especially when standing

Fainting

Persistent fever

Severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain

High or low blood pressure unrelated to medications

Excessive thirst or urination

Unexplained shoulder pain combined with abdominal pain

Persistent nausea and vomiting

What Do Ovarian Cysts Look Like?

On an ultrasound , ovarian cysts may resemble bubbles. The cyst typically has a very thin wall around it and only fluid inside. This ultrasound appearance identifies what is known as a simple cyst. The fluid that remains in an ovary after a follicle fails to rupture and release an egg can develop into a cyst. This usually affects one of the ovaries. A healthy ovary may have tiny cysts (less than half an inch) present while follicles are developing.

Ovarian cysts can range in size from less than an inch to four inches. Rarely, ovarian cysts can grow to form enormous masses with a diameter of 12 inches or greater.

In most cases, an ovarian cyst during pregnancy is not concerning. The majority of ovarian cysts are painless, benign, and disappear on their own. Even though ovarian cysts rarely cause symptoms, they can be painful if they rupture. And you’ll need immediate surgery if a cyst causes the ovary to twist (ovarian torsion). doctors can safely remove an ovarian cyst during pregnancy, though it’s typically not necessary.

This You Should Know about Cyst and Pregnancy