Can Cervical Cancer Cause Miscarriage?

Being diagnosed with cervical cancer during pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience. It may raise many questions about your own health as well as your baby’s safety. Questions like "Can cervical cancer cause miscarriage?" or "What will happen to my baby?" may naturally come to mind.

Seeking clarity is the first step to feeling more in control during this uncertain time. Let’s take a closer look at the connection between cervical cancer and pregnancy, the risks, treatment options, and what you can expect as you move forward.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. It starts in your cervix, which is the lower part of your uterus (womb) that links to your vagina.

Persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. It usually starts with precancerous changes in cervical cells, which may progress to invasive cancer if not properly monitored and managed.

The good news is that early detection through regular Pap smears and HPV testing can significantly improve your treatment options and outcomes.

How common is cervical cancer during pregnancy?

Cervical cancer during pregnancy is rare. It happens in about 1 to 3 out of every 10,000 pregnancies.

However, it is the most common gynaecological cancer diagnosed in pregnant women. Many cases are detected incidentally during routine prenatal Pap testing, as the early stage of cervical cancer often has no symptoms.

Because the cervix supports your pregnancy, a diagnosis at this time understandably comes with extra considerations. Knowing what can happen next can help you feel more prepared, and your doctor will also be by your side to guide you through each step.

Can cervical cancer cause miscarriage?

While cervical cancer can increase your risk of miscarriage, in most cases it is not a direct cause. There are a number of things that affect the risk, such as:

• The stage and size of the tumour

• How the cancer affects your cervix

• The type of treatment required during pregnancy

Some procedures may slightly increase the risk of miscarriage or early labour, but your medical team will take every precaution to keep both you and your baby safe.

What are pregnancy complications linked to cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer  during your pregnancy can create challenges for both you and your baby. It’s natural to feel anxious and a bit overwhelmed when you hear about these potential complications, but understanding more about them can help you know what to watch for and when to reach out to your doctor.

Some of the complications you may encounter include:

• Preterm labour:

  • The growth of your tumour, or an unstable cervix, may trigger labour before your due date.

• Heavy vaginal bleeding:

  • This can happen during pregnancy or when you give birth. This may require close monitoring from your medical team.

• Infection:

  • In rare cases,  the tumour may break down (tumour necrosis) or cause cervical ulceration, leading to infection.

• Emotional distress and anxiety:

  • Dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment decisions while having a baby is difficult. If you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or have any concerns about the decisions ahead, don’t hesitate to share them with your doctor.

• Surgery-related complications:

  • Any surgical procedures or anaesthesia during pregnancy can carry risks.

Cervical cancer and its treatment may also have an impact on your baby:

• Preterm birth:

  • Cervical cancer can weaken your cervix, making it harder for it to stay closed and support your growing baby throughout pregnancy. That's why, in some cases, your doctor might suggest delivering your baby a bit earlier – before 37 weeks – to keep you both safe.

• Low birth weight:

  • Babies born to mothers with cervical cancer may be smaller than expected.

• Foetal distress:

  • Your illness or reduced blood flow to the womb can sometimes cause stress to your baby.

• Pregnancy loss:

  • In some severe cases or when urgent treatment is necessary, the risk of pregnancy complications can rise significantly. However, these situations are not common, and your doctor will ensure every decision is made with your safety and your baby’s wellbeing in mind.

• Treatment side effects:

  • If chemotherapy or radiation is required, there may be effects on your baby, depending on treatment timing.

It’s understandable if you feel nervous, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Your doctor will be closely monitoring you and your baby to catch and address any complications as early as possible. Remember, these complications are not inevitable. Many women with cervical cancer go on to have healthy pregnancies with close monitoring.
If you’re unsure or concerned about how cervical cancer may affect your pregnancy, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical today. Our specialists are here to guide you through your options and provide expert care tailored to your unique situation.

Cervical cancer treatments and miscarriage risk

Treatment during pregnancy is never an easy decision. Your doctor will need to carefully balance between protecting your health and keeping your baby safe.

The treatment approach will depend on how advanced the cancer is and how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Surgical interventions and their risks

Your doctor may suggest one of these procedures based on your specific situation:

• Cone biopsy (conisation):

  • This procedure removes a cone-shaped portion of cervical tissue for diagnosis or treatment.

  • It’s usually safe in early pregnancy, but it carries a risk of bleeding, miscarriage, or premature rupture of membranes (when your water breaks too early).

• Trachelectomy:

  • Your doctor may recommend this option for early-stage cancer.

  • This involves removing part of your cervix, and because of that, it increases the risk of preterm labour or second-trimester miscarriage.

• Hysterectomy:

  • In advanced cancer cases, removing your womb and cervix may be recommended if it is the safest option for your health.

  • If this procedure is needed during pregnancy, it may unfortunately result in pregnancy loss. As this is a difficult situation, your doctor will be there to provide support and counselling to help you navigate this decision.

Radiation and chemotherapy during pregnancy

These treatments are handled very carefully during pregnancy, and your doctor will only recommend them when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks to you and your baby.

In some cases, your doctor may suggest chemotherapy in the second or third trimester under very close medical supervision.

While it may help control your tumour's growth and protect your health, chemotherapy carries risks of preterm birth, growth restriction, or complications for your newborn. Your doctor will carefully weigh these risks against the benefits and discuss them with you in detail.

Fertility preservation options

If you receive a cervical cancer diagnosis and want to have children in the future, there are options you can consider before starting treatment:

• Fertility-sparing surgeries:

  • For example, radical trachelectomy may preserve your ability to get pregnant.

• Egg or embryo freezing:

  • This can be done before you begin radiation or chemotherapy.

• Ovarian transposition:

  • This means moving your ovaries away from the area that will receive radiation, which may protect your fertility.

You should discuss these options with your doctor before your treatment planning, and don’t be afraid to share your concerns. They understand how important this is to you and will walk you through the option that suits your situation.

Managing pregnancy with cervical cancer

How your pregnancy is managed depends on several factors, including your cancer stage, which trimester you’re in, and what you want for your care. Your doctor will talk through each step with you so you can make decisions that feel right for your situation:

• Early-stage cancer:

  • Your doctor may suggest close monitoring throughout your pregnancy if they detect your cancer early and it doesn't appear aggressive.

  • You will have frequent check-ups and imaging to make sure the cancer isn’t progressing.

• Advanced-stage cancer:

  • If you have more advanced cancer, you may need to start treatment immediately to protect your life.

  • Sometimes this means difficult decisions about whether continuing the pregnancy is safe for you. You won't have to face this alone – your care team will be with you every step of the way.

• Delivery planning:

  • Many women with cervical cancer deliver by caesarean section, especially if the tumour is blocking the birth canal.

  • Your obstetrician will work with your oncologist to determine the safest delivery method for your specific situation, and your neonatologist will ensure your baby receives any needed care right after birth.

Your health and your baby’s health are top priorities. If there is anything that still concerns you, don’t be shy to reach out to your doctor for reassurance instead of waiting and worrying.

Whether you’re navigating cervical cancer during pregnancy or planning for the future after treatment, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our specialists will create a personalised care plan that prioritises your health and your baby's well-being.

FAQ

Can someone diagnosed with cervical cancer get pregnant?

Can HPV cause miscarriage?

Can you give birth naturally with cervical cancer?

Can you get pregnant after cervical cancer treatment?

How can women reduce the risk of cervical cancer during pregnancy?

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer during pregnancy?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical today.