22-"Take Care of Yourself"-Nikki’s Fibroid Story

We chat with Dr. Nikki Liburd, who opens up about her personal and professional experiences with fibroids, surgery, infertility, and pregnancy. Terms: Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas):  growths made of muscle and tissue that form in or on the wall of your uterus. usually not cancerous (benign) and are the most common noncancerous tumors in women Myomectomy:  surgery to remove uterine fibroids. In vitro fertilization (aka “IVF”):  where the egg is removed and fertilized outside the body and then placed back into the patient. This can be done immediately or later if not ready for use. Also option for same-sex partners or those pursuing single parenthood.  Saline Sonogram:  ultrasound procedure that instills water into your uterus to determine if there is abnormal tissue inside  Hydrosalpingogram:  x-ray procedure where they inject dye in your uterus to determine if your fallopian tubes are open. Uterine artery embolization (UAE):  a minimally invasive procedure most commonly used to treat vaginal bleeding caused by uterine fibroids Radiofrequency ablation (RFA):  a minimally invasive technique that shrinks the size of tumors, nodules or other growths in the body. Uterine rupture:  a complete division of all three layers of the uterus. A medical emergency requiring immediate delivery of the baby  Advanced maternal age (AMA):  a birthing individual age 35 or older  Preeclampsia (formerly called toxemia):  High blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy that leads to end organ damage.  Signs/symptoms include Swelling of your legs, headache unrelieved by pain medication, vision changes, protein in your urine, elevated liver enzymes, kidney failure, and low platelet levels.  Treatment:  Magnesium is usually used to prevent seizures and IV blood pressure  Eclampsia:  A seizure-related high blood pressure  Ectopic pregnancy:  a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus.  Fetal Echo:  a specialized ultrasound test performed during pregnancy to evaluate the position, size, structure, function and rhythm of the unborn baby's heart.