How do I Treat an Ovarian Cyst During Pregnancy?

While an ovarian cyst during pregnancy is quite common, it cannot usually be treated through common methods since medications and herbal remedies are often considered dangerous for the fetus. Fortunately, there are more natural ways to treat the pain and help the cyst clear up. Drinking lots of filtered water can help the body deal with an ovarian cyst, while a hot compress can help ease the pain often associated with this issue. Surgery is usually reserved for an ovarian cyst during pregnancy that does not appear to be going away on its own, and is usually only considered in the second trimester. Most doctors prefer to monitor the cyst before taking any action.

Drinking a lot of water is usually recommended during any pregnancy, but especially when a cyst is involved. Doing so can help cleanse the body and reduce pressure on both ovaries, sometimes allowing the cyst to go away on its own. It is recommended that tap water and bottled water be avoided, though, as these can sometimes include small amounts of hormone medication that can make the cyst worse. Therefore, filtered water can be considered a natural way to help cure an ovarian cyst during pregnancy.

To deal with the discomfort that cysts often bring, a hot compress can be used, usually in the form of either a heating pad or hot water bottle. It should be placed on the pelvis, which is often the area that is most tender when an ovarian cyst is present. The hot compress can be wrapped in a towel to avoid burns, and then placed on the abdomen to help take pressure off the ovaries. This procedure may not eliminate the pain for good, but it can help relieve discomfort at least some of the time while waiting for the cyst to go away.

Some ovarian cysts do not disappear on their own, and they may even grow during pregnancy. Most doctors like to closely monitor the cyst via ultrasound to make sure that it is benign and is not growing, and are likely to recommend just waiting for it to go away on its own. On the other hand, some cysts either grow or are already big to begin with, and need to be surgically removed. In fact, many doctors choose to remove cysts that measure more than 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter since they may rupture or cause a lot of pain to the woman. If surgery is required to get rid of an ovarian cyst during pregnancy, doctors typically wait until the second trimester of pregnancy to minimize risks to both the woman and the fetus.