Can pregnancy occur after uterine artery embolization (UAE)?

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From the Guidelines

Pregnancy After Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)

Pregnancy can occur after uterine artery embolization (UAE), but it is associated with significant risks to both the pregnancy and the fetus 1.

  • Risks and Considerations: UAE blocks blood flow to the uterus, which can lead to complications during pregnancy, such as miscarriage, preterm labor, and fetal growth restriction.
  • Pregnancy Rates: Studies have shown that pregnancy is possible after UAE, with spontaneous pregnancy rates reported at 29.5% and 40.1% at 1 and 2 years following the procedure, respectively, and a live birth rate of 81% 1.
  • Clinical Guidance: Women who have undergone UAE and are considering pregnancy should discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action, including the use of effective contraception to prevent pregnancy and close monitoring if pregnancy does occur 1.
  • Key Points:
    • Pregnancy after UAE is possible but carries significant risks.
    • Women should be counseled about these risks and the importance of effective contraception.
    • Close monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential if pregnancy occurs after UAE.

From the Research

Pregnancy After Uterine Artery Embolization

  • Pregnancy can occur after uterine artery embolization (UAE) 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Women who become pregnant after UAE are at risk for various complications, including:
    • Malpresentation 3
    • Preterm birth 3, 4
    • Cesarean delivery 2, 3
    • Postpartum hemorrhage 2, 3
    • Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) 6
  • The rate of pregnancy loss after UAE has been reported to be around 33.5% 4
  • The rate of obstetrical complications after UAE has been reported to be around 25.4% 4
  • Despite the potential risks, some studies suggest that a safe pregnancy after UAE is possible, resulting in a healthy and normal baby delivery 4, 5

Fertility Outcomes

  • Among women wishing to become pregnant after UAE, around 40.5% experienced at least one pregnancy 4
  • The fertility outcomes after UAE for symptomatic uterine arteriovenous malformations have been reported to be favorable, with 33% of women experiencing a pregnancy after the procedure 5
  • No post-embolization miscarriage was reported in one study of women who became pregnant after UAE for uterine arteriovenous malformations 5

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

3
Research

Pregnancy after uterine artery embolization.

Obstetrics and gynecology, 2002

6
Research

Obstetric Outcomes of Pregnancy After Uterine Artery Embolization.

International journal of women's health, 2020

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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