What are the symptoms of a cyst on your ovaries while pregnant?

Most ovarian cysts during pregnancy don’t cause any symptoms and are found during routine scans. If symptoms do appear, they may include mild pelvic pain, bloating, or a feeling of pressure on one side.

What happens if a corpus luteum cyst ruptures in early pregnancy?

If a corpus luteum cyst ruptures, you may feel sudden, sharp pain on one side of your lower abdomen. Some light bleeding or spotting can also occur.

Are Ovarian Cysts Normal in Pregnancy? Causes, Symptoms, and What to Know

Pregnancy is a time when you’re hyper-aware of every change in your body. One condition that might arise is the formation of an ovarian cyst, called a corpus luteum cyst. It forms from the corpus luteum, which is a temporary structure in the ovary. The role of this structure is to release hormones that help maintain pregnancy in the first few weeks.

Sometimes, instead of shrinking on its own, it fills with fluid and forms a cyst. This is usually harmless and often goes away without treatment. You may not notice any symptoms at all unless it’s spotted during a routine ultrasound. Hearing the word "cyst" while you are pregnant can be stressful. But not all cysts are dangerous. Although it’s important to stay informed, so you know when to ask questions or seek help.

What Is a Corpus Luteum Cyst in Pregnancy?

A corpus luteum cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on your ovary after ovulation. During your menstrual cycle, a follicle in your ovary releases an egg. This follicle then transforms into the corpus luteum, a temporary structure that produces progesterone to support early pregnancy. If you get pregnant, the corpus luteum keeps making progesterone until the placenta takes over. Sometimes, instead of shrinking, the corpus luteum fills with fluid or blood and forms a cyst. These cysts are typically benign, meaning they’re not cancerous and often disappear on their own.

What Causes Corpus Luteum Cyst in Pregnancy?

This is why corpus luteum cysts might appear during pregnancy:

Normal ovulation process: After the egg is released, the follicle may not dissolve as it should and instead fills with fluid, creating a cyst.
Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, certain hormones like luteinising hormone can make the corpus luteum grow instead of breaking down.
Fertility treatments: Ovulation medicines such as clomiphene citrate can increase the chance of developing cysts on the ovaries.

Most of the time, these cysts are a normal part of your body’s reproductive process and don’t indicate any serious issue.

Symptoms of a Corpus Luteum Cyst in Pregnancy

Many individuals don’t even know they have a corpus luteum cyst because they often cause no symptoms. They’re usually detected during routine ultrasounds in early pregnancy. But if symptoms do occur, they might include:

Mild pelvic pain: You might feel a dull ache or cramping on one side of your lower abdomen.
Bloating or pressure: A larger cyst can press on nearby tissues and cause a sense of fullness in your belly.
Breast tenderness: Hormonal changes from the cyst might make your breasts feel sensitive.
Irregular periods: If you weren’t aware of your pregnancy yet, you might notice a delayed period.

In rare cases, complications like a cyst rupture or ovarian torsion (when the ovary twists) can cause more intense symptoms:

Sudden, sharp pelvic pain.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Dizziness or fainting.
Shoulder pain.
Heavy bleeding or fever.

Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these.

Is a Corpus Luteum Cyst in Pregnancy Dangerous?

No, corpus luteum cysts are rarely harmful to you or your baby. They typically support early pregnancy by producing progesterone. Most cysts resolve by the second trimester when the placenta takes over hormone production. Your doctor will monitor the cyst with ultrasounds to make sure it’s not growing too large or causing problems. However, in rare cases, complications can occur:

Cyst rupture: A cyst might burst due to activities like sex, exercise, or a pelvic exam. This can cause mild to severe pain and, in rare cases, internal bleeding that may need surgery.
Ovarian torsion: If a cyst grows large, it can twist the ovary and cut off its blood supply. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery, but it’s very uncommon.

A corpus luteum cyst in pregnancy is usually harmless and often goes away on its own. Most don’t cause any symptoms and are found only during routine scans. But in some cases, they can cause pain or lead to complications. Knowing the common causes and symptoms can help you stay informed and detect potential issues early.

FAQs on Are Ovarian Cysts Normal in Pregnancy? Learn the Causes and Symptoms

What are the symptoms of a cyst on your ovaries while pregnant?
Most ovarian cysts during pregnancy don’t cause any symptoms and are found during routine scans. If symptoms do appear, they may include mild pelvic pain, bloating, or a feeling of pressure on one side.
What happens if a corpus luteum cyst ruptures in early pregnancy?
If a corpus luteum cyst ruptures, you may feel sudden, sharp pain on one side of your lower abdomen. Some light bleeding or spotting can also occur.