Can enlarged ovaries be a risk for the fetus?
Professor and Senior Consultant Gynecologist & Colposcopist
Mazumdar-Shaw Center for Cancer Research & Narayana Hrudayalaya Multispecialty Hospital, Bangalore
Q: I had undergone IUI last month and have conceived. I am 6 weeks pregnant now. In the last scan, the doctor found that I have enlarged ovaries, which are causing me backaches and cramps. I was given Siphene 100 mg for ovulation and HCG injections. I had generated more than 10 follicles and 5 of them had ovulated during the cycle. The doctor has now ordered complete bed rest for the next 3 weeks. The ultrasound recordings are: No. of GS - Single; Size of GS - 20 mm, 7 weeks 1 day; CRL - 7 mm, 6 weeks, 2 days; YS - 4mm; CVR/CH frondosum - +; Liquor - Adequate; RT Ovary - 5.1 x 3.6 cms, CL Cyst 2.3 x 2.3 cms; LT Ovary - 6.7 x 5.5 cms, CL Cyst 5.0 x 4.6 cms, 3.2 x 3.3 cms, 2.4 x 2.0 cms GA as per US: 6 Weeks 2 Days. What is the risk to the baby due to this? What should I do so that the ovaries get back to normal size? I do not experience any nausea or other symptoms, is it normal?
A:There is no risk to the baby due to the ovarian cysts - most likely these cysts are due to hyperstimulation of the ovaries.Usually, these cysts regress with time. Sometimes, an ovary with a cyst can undergo torsion (twist) spontaneously and cause you acute abdominal pain, vomiting. That is why, we usually advise patients to abstain from vaginal intercourse. In any case, with a pregnancy resulting after IUI, it is better to abstain from sex for first 3 months. Treatment you have been advised is fine.You need to get a repeat ultrasound done after 1 week to ensure baby's heart beats are seen - sometimes it can be better visualised by transvaginal ultrasound.Some women are lucky they do not suffer from nausea during pregnancy - guess you are one of those.