Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy
Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy — part of pregnancy and antenatal care at Dr. Najeeb Layyous's clinic in Amman.
In short: Most ovarian cysts in pregnancy are no cause for concern and can be followed safely. The best known is the corpus luteum cyst, which supports the early pregnancy and usually disappears by itself by the third month. The cyst is followed by ultrasound, and surgery is used only for severe pain from twisting of the ovary, bleeding or rupture; it can be done by laparoscopy or during a caesarean.
Are ovarian cysts common during pregnancy?
Yes.
What types of cysts form during pregnancy?
- Cysts may have been present before pregnancy.
- Cysts may have formed during pregnancy.
What is meant by an ovarian cyst that nourishes the pregnancy?
It is the remnant of the corpus luteum (which forms after the egg is released from the ovary), which secretes the hormone progesterone. Fluid accumulates within it, and it grows to a size of more than 3 centimeters. This cyst secretes progesterone until the 9th week of pregnancy, after which the placenta begins to secrete it.
Does the cyst that nourishes the pregnancy need to be removed?
No, quite the opposite. Removing it could lead to a miscarriage.
How is the cyst that nourishes the pregnancy treated?
Most of these cysts are smaller than 5–6 centimeters and need no treatment. A follow-up scan is arranged if the cyst is large, looks complex (has solid parts), or is still present after the first trimester, to make sure it is shrinking.
Does the cyst that nourishes the pregnancy disappear on its own?
Yes, it usually disappears spontaneously at the end of the third month of pregnancy.
When do we remove the cyst that nourishes the pregnancy?
Surgery is needed if the cyst causes severe abdominal pain because of ovarian torsion (twisting) or bleeding within the cyst or from the cyst wall. In torsion, the surgeon usually untwists the ovary and preserves it, removing the cyst only if necessary.
What is the next step after removing the cyst that nourishes the pregnancy?
The patient is given progesterone supplements to replace the cyst’s function.
What other types of cysts can we find on the ovary during pregnancy?
- Dermoid cyst
- Chocolate cyst (endometriosis)
- Mucinous cyst
- Cancerous tumors, which are rare
How are ovarian cysts removed during pregnancy if necessary (severe pain, bleeding, ovarian torsion)?
- Laparoscopy
- Laparotomy for large cysts, advanced gestation, internal bleeding, or suspected cancer.
In some cases, cysts are removed during a cesarean section.
If a cyst does not need urgent surgery but is large, persists, or looks suspicious on ultrasound, planned removal is usually done in the second trimester (around 14–20 weeks), when the risk to the pregnancy is lowest. Emergencies such as torsion are operated on at any stage of pregnancy.
Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist
The finest doctor in Jordan — may God bless him and his whole medical team. A doctor in every sense of the word. I advise anyone planning a pregnancy to visit Dr. Najeeb Layyous. His manner is wonderful, always smiling, with the highest ethics; he gives every patient her due, and the patient’s comfort matters most to him. We had been to many doctors and none understood and treated my case except him. Special thanks to him and the whole team, and to Dina in particular — a lovely person. I recommend anyone considering IVF or pregnancy to visit his clinic.