An Ovarian Cyst and Pregnancy is not that strange of a combination. Ovarian cysts are a natural occurrence of the pregnancy cycle. A cyst is a closed sac that forms in the body. Ovarian cysts begin in the ovaries and can contain tissue, fluid, or blood. Cysts that form during pregnancy normally have fluid in them.

There are many different types of ovarian cysts. The most common type is the functional ovarian cyst. It occurs in most childbearing women, and is because of natural functions in the ovary. Some women prefer to use birth control to prevent the natural function and ovarian cyst. The two functional ovarian cysts are luteum and follicular.

The corpus lutuem is a main function for pregnancy. It is released from the ovaries after the egg and distributes progesterone. The corpus luteum ranges from 2cm to 6cm and dissolves naturally. It can develop into a cyst, especially when it is larger. Any symptoms it causes normally diminish by the second trimester.

The follicle holding the egg released from the ovaries can also develop into a cyst. This type of cyst is called a follicular cyst. In a pregnancy this type of cyst occurs when multiple eggs are released. The unfertilized egg may become a follicular cyst. When there are symptoms they may persist into the second trimester.

Although normal, functional cysts can cause pain. Larger cysts are at risk for rupture or twisting. A ruptured cyst can be painful and the pain can last for several hours. If a functional cyst attaches to the body and becomes twisted that is also painful. The twisting can reduce blood supply and cause nausea.

Some cysts develop into a serious disease called ovarian cancer. As ovarian cancer mostly affects women in menopause, it is rare in pregnancy. It should not be a worry, but many doctors will check for cancerous cysts.

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