Babies with a SCT normally do very well. However, they are at risk for preterm labor. This is partly due to the size of the tumor. The risk of preterm labor for babies with SCT is similar to the risk for a woman who is pregnant with twins. These pregnancies also can be complicated with an increased volume of amniotic fluid, which also carries with it an increased risk for preterm labor.
If your baby has SCT, he or she is at risk for developing hydrops and/or heart failure, which will change the prognosis and chance of survival, especially if hydrops develops before 30 weeks gestation.
SCTs are sometimes associated with maternal complications such as preeclampsia or mirror syndrome, especially if hydrops develops. If your baby has SCT, you will be monitored closely for early detection of complications so treatment can be started right away if necessary.
If your baby has a SCT, the delivery method will be determined by the size of the SCT. If it is small (less than 5-10 cm) your physician may consider vaginal delivery. However, there are other issues to consider when thinking about vaginal delivery. These can include but are not limited to:
- Your health and the health of your baby
- Whether you have previously delivered vaginally and the size of that baby
- The position of your baby
- Whether the SCT is solid or filled with fluid
In many cases, the best method of delivery of babies with SCT is cesarean section. The surgical incision on the uterus to remove your baby may need to be the classical type (up and down) to help the doctor deliver your baby without injuring the SCT. This is because SCT injury can result in bleeding in the tumor. Hemorrhage into the tumor can seriously compromise your baby, even to the point of being life threatening.