Study Highlights Pregnancy and Childbirth Risks for Women with Cervical Cancer - Video

A new research paper published in Oncoscience showed that pregnant women diagnosed with cervical cancer face higher risks of health problems during pregnancy and childbirth. However, these health risks do not seem to affect the health of their babies.

Researchers analyzed data from over nine million pregnancies in the United States between 2004 and 2014. Among these cases, 222 women were diagnosed with

cervical cancer before giving birth.

The study found that pregnant women with cervical cancer were more likely to be older than 35, smoke, use illicit drugs, and have chronic high blood pressure compared to those without the disease. When it came to childbirth, these women were nearly five times more likely to give birth prematurely and to require a cesarean section. They also faced an alarmingly high risk of needing a hysterectomy. Additionally, the risk of developing dangerous blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, was significantly higher in this group.

Despite these serious health risks for mothers, the study found no major differences in the health of the babies. Rates of birth defects, stillbirths, and low birth weight were similar between mothers with cervical cancer and those without.

These findings highlight the importance of specialized care for pregnant women diagnosed with cervical cancer, as effective management requires a multidisciplinary team specializing in oncological, obstetrical, and neonatal care.

As more women choose to have children later in life, this research offers critical guidance for healthcare providers and reassurance for expectant mothers facing a cervical cancer diagnosis. It also highlights the need for further studies to understand the long-term health outcomes for children born to mothers with cervical cancer, as well as the potential effects of cancer treatments during pregnancy.

Reference: Samuels, A., Badeghiesh, A., Baghlaf, H., & Dahan, M. H. (2025). Maternal, delivery and neonatal outcomes in women with cervical cancer. A study of a population database. Oncoscience, 12, 3.