Home
Issues
Aim & Scope
Open Access
Editorial Board
Indexing
Supporting Midwifery Associations
Contact us
Instructions to Authors (PDF)
Manuscript Types
Manuscript Formatting
How to submit
Preprints
Authorship & COI
Principles of Transparency Checklist
Data Policies
Publication Ethics and Publication Malpractice Statement
CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Critical appraisal of a case of fetal ovarian cyst diagnosed at 29+3 weeks of gestation
1
Midwifery Department, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Sindos, Greece
Publication date: 2025-10-24
Corresponding author
Anastasia Tsiligkiri
Midwifery Department, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Sindos, Greece
Midwifery Department, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Sindos, Greece
Eur J Midwifery 2025;9(Supplement 1):A79
ABSTRACT
Overview:
Fetal ovarian cysts are rare, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 2,500 live births. Diagnosis typically occurs in the third trimester via ultrasound or fetal MRI. Cysts are classified as simple or complex and are thought to result from maternal estrogens, fetal gonadotropins, and placental chorionic gonadotropin. Risk factors include maternal diabetes, Rh isoimmunisation, and pre-eclampsia, though no standardized prenatal or neonatal management exists. This report discusses a case involving a 31-year-old multigravida, primipara woman with an IVF-conceived female fetus. A large, complex fetal ovarian cyst was diagnosed via ultrasound at 29+3 weeks. Labour was induced at 37+6 weeks due to cyst size and complexity. Postnatal surgery led to the loss of the neonate’s left ovary.
Aims and Objectives:
To critically appraise the management of this case according with the most recent international guidelines and evidence-based practices.
Method:
A literature review was conducted using MEDLINE and Cochrane databases to identify current evidence-based management options for fetal ovarian cysts.
Results:
Evidence suggests that fetal ovarian cysts alone should not influence the timing or mode of delivery. While the Fetal Medicine Foundation suggests considering induction at 38 weeks, there is no clear consensus. The Italian Society of Videosurgery in Infancy offers the only formal guidelines, outlining options including observation, in utero aspiration, or postnatal surgery, depending on cyst features. In this case, no known risk factors were present, and IVF as a potential contributor remains unstudied. The indication for induction was not supported by obstetric necessity.
Conclusion:
Fetal ovarian cysts represent a rare prenatal finding. Their presence alone does not typically necessitate changes in the timing or method of delivery. The primary objective in managing such cases should be the preservation of ovary and fertility. Decisions regarding intervention should be individualized, guided by cyst characteristics, symptomatology, and evolving evidence-based recommendations.
Fetal ovarian cysts are rare, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 2,500 live births. Diagnosis typically occurs in the third trimester via ultrasound or fetal MRI. Cysts are classified as simple or complex and are thought to result from maternal estrogens, fetal gonadotropins, and placental chorionic gonadotropin. Risk factors include maternal diabetes, Rh isoimmunisation, and pre-eclampsia, though no standardized prenatal or neonatal management exists. This report discusses a case involving a 31-year-old multigravida, primipara woman with an IVF-conceived female fetus. A large, complex fetal ovarian cyst was diagnosed via ultrasound at 29+3 weeks. Labour was induced at 37+6 weeks due to cyst size and complexity. Postnatal surgery led to the loss of the neonate’s left ovary.
Aims and Objectives:
To critically appraise the management of this case according with the most recent international guidelines and evidence-based practices.
Method:
A literature review was conducted using MEDLINE and Cochrane databases to identify current evidence-based management options for fetal ovarian cysts.
Results:
Evidence suggests that fetal ovarian cysts alone should not influence the timing or mode of delivery. While the Fetal Medicine Foundation suggests considering induction at 38 weeks, there is no clear consensus. The Italian Society of Videosurgery in Infancy offers the only formal guidelines, outlining options including observation, in utero aspiration, or postnatal surgery, depending on cyst features. In this case, no known risk factors were present, and IVF as a potential contributor remains unstudied. The indication for induction was not supported by obstetric necessity.
Conclusion:
Fetal ovarian cysts represent a rare prenatal finding. Their presence alone does not typically necessitate changes in the timing or method of delivery. The primary objective in managing such cases should be the preservation of ovary and fertility. Decisions regarding intervention should be individualized, guided by cyst characteristics, symptomatology, and evolving evidence-based recommendations.
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
