Ovarian cancer and pregnancy
Woman smiling, holding her baby, close to her face.
Is there a link between ovarian cancer and pregnancy?
Ovarian cancer typically affects the ovaries, which play a critical role in fertility and hormone production. For those planning a family, understanding how ovarian cancer could impact pregnancy is crucial. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving outcomes for both parent and baby.
Ovarian cancer before pregnancy
How ovarian cancer affects your chances of getting pregnant
Ovarian cancer can reduce fertility by affecting the ovaries directly or through treatment like surgery or chemotherapy. For those with one healthy ovary, natural conception may still be possible. However, fertility preservation methods, such as egg or embryo freezing, can be considered before starting treatment.
Take a look at our information on early / surgical menopause.
Should you have a baby if you’ve had ovarian cancer?
If you’ve been treated for ovarian cancer, speak to your GP or oncologist about your fertility options. They can assess whether it’s safe to try for a baby and offer advice on timing and potential risks.
Pregnant woman sits talking to another women, in front of a bright window.
Ovarian cancer during pregnancy
Does being pregnant increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer?
Pregnancy itself does not increase the risk of ovarian cancer. In fact, multiple pregnancies may slightly reduce the risk, likely due to fewer ovulations over a lifetime.
CA 125 levels during pregnancy
CA 125 is a marker sometimes used to help detect ovarian cancer, but levels can naturally rise during pregnancy. This makes it less reliable as a sole diagnostic tool in pregnant individuals.
Symptoms to look out for
Symptoms of ovarian cancer during pregnancy can overlap with typical pregnancy symptoms, such as bloating, pelvic pain, or frequent urination. However, persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a GP.
Treatment for ovarian cancer if you’re pregnant
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and the pregnancy.
- Surgery: In early-stage cases, surgery may be possible without harming the baby. Read more about ovarian cancer surgery.
- Chemotherapy: If required, chemotherapy is generally delayed until after the first trimester to minimise risks to the baby. Read more about chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.
Will having ovarian cancer affect my baby?
Most pregnancies affected by ovarian cancer result in healthy babies, especially when treatment is tailored to minimise risks. Close monitoring by a multidisciplinary medical team is essential.
Miscarriage and ovarian cancer
Can ovarian cancer cause a miscarriage?
In rare cases, ovarian cancer may lead to complications that increase the risk of miscarriage, such as hormonal imbalances or physical pressure from tumours.
If this is something you are concerned about, speak to your medical team.
Does a miscarriage increase your risk of ovarian cancer?
There’s no strong evidence that a miscarriage increases ovarian cancer risk. However, any ongoing symptoms should be discussed with your GP or medical team as soon as possible.
You can find resources for miscarriage support via the Miscarriage Association, who are part of the Women's Health Alliance with Ovarian Cancer Action.
Woman walks along a road, with her child, both wearing bright rain coats.
Ovarian cancer after pregnancy
Does having a baby reduce your chances of ovarian cancer?
Having one or more full-term pregnancies may slightly lower your risk of ovarian cancer. This is believed to be due to reduced ovulation, as ovulation contributes to wear and tear on ovarian tissue.
Can a pregnancy test detect ovarian cancer?
While pregnancy tests measure hCG levels, which can sometimes rise in ovarian cancer cases, they are not a reliable diagnostic tool. Find out more about why pregnancy tests are not a reliable way to detect ovarian cancer.
FAQs
Is developing ovarian cancer common during pregnancy?
Ovarian cancer during pregnancy is rare, with fewer than 1 in 18,000 pregnancies affected.
Can ovarian cancer be detected during a pregnancy ultrasound?
Yes, ovarian cancer can sometimes be detected during routine pregnancy ultrasounds, though additional testing is usually required for confirmation.
Can ovarian cancer go undetected during pregnancy?
Yes, as symptoms of ovarian cancer can overlap with pregnancy symptoms, it may go undetected without further investigation.
