Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effects of uterine leiomyoma on the course of pregnancy,
mode of delivery and frequency of complications during pregnancy and labour.
Methods: The study was conducted at Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Shifa
International Hospital, Islamabad. Fifty booked antenatal patients having uterine
leiomyoma were studied during a period of two years from July 2005 to June 2007.
Results: Out of 50 patients, 31 (62 %) had no significant change in the size of myoma
throughout gestation. Eleven (22 %) had abortion, seven (14 %) developed premature
rupture of membranes and five (10 %) went into preterm labour. Red degeneration
occurred in two patients (4 %). Abnormal presentation occurred in six patients (12 %).
Fifteen patients (30 %) remained asymptomatic throughout pregnancy. Out of 50
patients, 37 patients (74 %) remained asymptomatic during labour. Twenty one (53.8 %)
were delivered vaginally and caesarean section had to be performed in 18 (46.1 %)
patients.
Conclusion: Uterine leiomyoma may adversely affect the course of pregnancy and
labour depending on their location and size. The changes in size during pregnancy have
no significant effect on the course of pregnancy. (Rawal Med J 2009;34:79-81)

Key words: Uterine leiomyoma, abortion, premature rupture of membranes, preterm labour, complications during labour, operative delivery.