Finding a lump near your vaginal opening during pregnancy can be worrying, and you may wonder whether it could harm your baby or affect your pregnancy. In most cases, a small, uninfected Bartholin cyst is unlikely to harm you or your baby. It develops in the vulval tissue outside the womb and often causes no more than a localised swelling. However, any new lump should still be medically assessed, particularly if it becomes painful, grows quickly or is associated with fever or feeling unwell.
A Bartholin abscess needs more prompt medical attention because it can cause significant pain, swelling and infection. Although it can usually be treated safely during pregnancy, you should contact your midwife, GP or maternity team if the lump becomes increasingly painful, drains pus, is associated with a fever or makes you feel generally unwell.
What Is a Bartholin Cyst?
Your Bartholin glands are two small glands near the lower part of the opening of your vagina. A Bartholin cyst develops when the duct that drains fluid from one of these glands becomes blocked, causing fluid to collect and form a lump on one side of the vaginal opening.
The cyst may be small and painless or become large enough to cause discomfort when you walk, sit or have sex. It develops in the vulval tissue rather than inside your womb, so an uncomplicated Bartholin cyst does not usually affect your baby’s development during pregnancy.
What Is a Bartholin Abscess?
A Bartholin abscess develops when bacteria infect the gland or fluid trapped inside a Bartholin cyst. The swelling fills with pus and usually becomes more painful, tender and inflamed than an uncomplicated cyst.
You may notice redness, warmth, rapid enlargement, pus, unpleasant-smelling discharge, fever or feeling generally unwell. Because an abscess is an active infection, it may need prompt medical assessment and treatment, particularly during pregnancy.
Is a Bartholin Cyst Dangerous During Pregnancy?
If you have a small, painless Bartholin cyst during pregnancy, it is not usually dangerous and may remain unchanged, shrink or drain without treatment. You may not need any procedure unless the cyst becomes painful, infected or causes significant discomfort.
If you develop a Bartholin abscess, you may experience increasing pain, redness, swelling or fever because the infection can spread into nearby tissues. Your doctor or maternity team will assess your symptoms carefully, as prompt treatment can help manage infection, reduce discomfort and support your overall wellbeing during pregnancy.
| Situation | Likely level of concern | Recommended action |
| Small, painless lump | Usually low | Arrange a routine assessment and monitor it |
| Mild discomfort without fever | Usually non-emergency | Speak to your GP, midwife or maternity service |
| Rapidly increasing pain or swelling | Possible abscess | Seek prompt same-day advice |
| Pus, offensive discharge or spreading redness | Infection may be present | Arrange urgent clinical assessment |
| Fever, shivering or feeling very unwell | Infection may be spreading | Contact maternity triage or NHS 111 urgently |
| Faintness, confusion or severe deterioration | Possible serious infection | Call 999 or attend emergency care |
Evidence Note: What Pregnancy Studies Have Found
Research specifically examining Bartholin abscesses during pregnancy is limited. One retrospective study followed 40 pregnant women who developed a Bartholin abscess. The researchers reported one late miscarriage and one preterm birth, but overall maternal and newborn outcomes were favourable in this small group when appropriate management was provided. A second study included women treated during pregnancy or the puerperium and found no major differences in clinical presentation or the bacteria involved compared with non-pregnant women.
These were relatively small observational studies, so they cannot predict outcomes for every pregnancy, prove causation or exclude uncommon complications. However, they suggest that Bartholin abscesses can often be managed successfully during pregnancy when appropriate treatment is provided, and pregnancy alone should not prevent necessary care.
Can a Bartholin Abscess Cause Pregnancy Complications?
Available research suggests that most Bartholin abscesses can be treated successfully during pregnancy. However, an untreated or spreading infection can make you unwell and requires prompt medical assessment. Seeking advice early allows your maternity and gynaecology teams to choose treatment that is appropriate for your stage of pregnancy.
If the cyst becomes infected and turns into an abscess, you may need treatment to reduce the risk of complications from infection. You should also remember that fever or feeling unwell during pregnancy can have many causes, so your maternity team should assess your symptoms rather than assuming they are caused by the Bartholin swelling.
When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Advice?
While many gynaecological concerns can be discussed during a routine appointment, some symptoms need more urgent medical attention. Recognising when to seek help can ensure you receive the right care without unnecessary delays.
You should seek urgent medical advice if your Bartholin swelling becomes rapidly more painful, significantly larger, increasingly red or is associated with fever, pus, spreading redness or feeling generally unwell. If you develop severe abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, fainting or sudden deterioration during pregnancy, you should also seek urgent assessment because these symptoms may have causes unrelated to a Bartholin cyst.
What Symptoms Should You Look Out For?
A Bartholin cyst usually appears as a lump on one side of your vaginal opening. You may notice that the swelling feels soft, rounded or tense, and a larger cyst can cause discomfort when you sit, walk, exercise or have sex.
You should seek advice if you notice signs of an abscess, such as rapidly increasing pain, warmth, redness, pus, unpleasant-smelling discharge, fever or feeling unwell. During pregnancy, you should contact your midwife or doctor promptly if the swelling becomes more painful or you develop symptoms of infection.
How Is a Bartholin Cyst Diagnosed During Pregnancy?
If you are aged 40 or over, or the lump is firm, irregular, fixed, persistent or in an unusual position, your clinician may recommend specialist assessment, imaging or a biopsy. This is because not every lump in the Bartholin area is a simple cyst, although serious causes are uncommon.
- Vulval Examination: A physical examination helps confirm the likely diagnosis, assessing the swelling’s location, size, tenderness, and signs of pus or inflammation.
- Consent and Comfort: Your consent is required before any intimate examination. You can request a trained chaperone, explanations at each step, and the option to stop the examination at any time.
- Swabs and Testing: If pus or discharge is present, a swab may be collected. Tests for chlamydia or gonorrhoea may be offered if your history suggests this is appropriate.
- Imaging Only When Needed: Routine scans are not usually required for typical Bartholin cysts but may be considered if the location or appearance is unusual.
Overall, diagnosis is based on careful assessment, physical examination, and selective testing, with your comfort and consent prioritised throughout the process.
Can You Manage a Small Cyst at Home?
If you have a small Bartholin cyst that is painless and shows no signs of infection, your healthcare professional may recommend monitoring it rather than immediate treatment. A warm bath or warm compress may help ease mild discomfort and encourage natural drainage.
You should keep the area gently clean, dry it carefully and avoid irritants such as perfumed soaps, vaginal deodorants or douching. Do not squeeze or pierce the cyst yourself, and contact your doctor if the swelling becomes larger, painful or shows signs of infection.
What If the Cyst Bursts During Pregnancy?
If your Bartholin cyst or abscess bursts during pregnancy, you may notice fluid or pus draining and a sudden reduction in pressure or pain. You should use a clean pad, gently wash the external area and avoid inserting anything or trying to squeeze out the remaining fluid.
A cyst that drains naturally can sometimes return if the opening closes before it fully heals. You should contact your GP or maternity team if you have ongoing pain, unpleasant-smelling discharge, fever, spreading redness or the lump does not improve.
Is Pain Relief Safe During Pregnancy?
Paracetamol is generally the first-choice pain relief during pregnancy when taken as directed. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed, and check that you are not taking another medicine that also contains paracetamol. NHS guidance states that paracetamol can be used during pregnancy when needed and taken as directed.
Do not take ibuprofen, naproxen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug without advice from a doctor, pharmacist or midwife. These medicines should generally be avoided from 20 weeks of pregnancy unless clinically necessary and must not be used after 28 weeks. If your pain is severe, worsening or not improving, seek medical assessment rather than continuing to manage it yourself.
Are Antibiotics Safe During Pregnancy?
Antibiotics are not required for a small, uninfected Bartholin cyst. If you have an abscess with signs of spreading infection, fever, surrounding cellulitis, systemic illness or another risk factor, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic considered suitable during pregnancy. However, drainage is often needed when pus has collected because antibiotics alone may not fully treat a trapped abscess.
Take any prescribed antibiotics exactly as advised by your healthcare professional and contact your medical team if your symptoms worsen, you develop new symptoms or you are concerned about side effects.
Can You Have a Word Catheter During Pregnancy?
A Word catheter may be used during pregnancy when your clinician considers drainage necessary and the procedure is suitable for you. It drains the cyst or abscess while helping a new drainage channel form. Your clinician will numb the area with local anaesthetic, release the trapped fluid or pus and place the small catheter through the opening.
The procedure can usually be carried out as an outpatient treatment, so you may be able to return home afterwards if you and your baby are well. The catheter is commonly left in place for around four weeks, and your treatment team will explain aftercare and what to do if it comes out early.
Is Local Anaesthetic Safe for the Procedure?
Local anaesthetic is commonly used for procedures such as Word catheter insertion during pregnancy. Your clinician will choose an appropriate medicine and dose based on your pregnancy, allergies, medical history and the procedure being performed, allowing the area to be numbed while you remain awake.
You may feel a brief sting when the anaesthetic is injected and some pressure during drainage. If you feel sharp pain during the procedure, tell your clinician so they can check the anaesthetic is working properly and keep you as comfortable as possible.
Can You Have Marsupialisation During Pregnancy?
Marsupialisation may be considered during pregnancy when drainage is required and a Word catheter is unsuitable, unsuccessful or unavailable. Because it is a more involved procedure, your gynaecologist and anaesthetic team will consider the urgency of treatment, your pregnancy, the characteristics of the swelling and the safest anaesthetic approach.
The procedure involves opening the swelling and stitching the edges to create a drainage opening that can heal properly. You will receive advice about wound care, bleeding, discharge and warning signs to watch for during recovery, which may be adjusted to suit your pregnancy.
Is Bartholin Gland Removal Recommended During Pregnancy?
Removing the Bartholin gland is not usually the first treatment during pregnancy because it is a more extensive procedure than drainage or a Word catheter. Your doctor will usually consider less invasive options first to control symptoms and treat infection.
Gland removal may be postponed until after pregnancy when you have repeated cysts or abscesses but no urgent reason for surgery. In rare situations where a lump appears unusual or requires further investigation, your gynaecologist will discuss the safest approach based on your individual circumstances.
Can a Bartholin Cyst Affect Labour?
A Bartholin cyst does not usually affect how you give birth, and having one does not automatically mean you will need a caesarean birth. However, a very large, painful or infected swelling near the vaginal opening may make examinations or pushing more uncomfortable during labour.
Your obstetric team will assess the size, position and condition of the cyst rather than assume it will cause a problem. In many cases, you can still have a vaginal birth, with treatment decisions based on your symptoms and any other pregnancy-related factors.
What Should You Do If It Develops Near Your Due Date?
If you develop a new Bartholin swelling in the final weeks of pregnancy, you should contact your maternity team for advice rather than waiting until labour begins. Your doctor or midwife can assess whether the cyst needs monitoring, antibiotics or drainage based on your symptoms.
A painless cyst may not need treatment before birth, but a painful abscess may require drainage to improve your comfort and reduce infection risks. If you have a Word catheter in place, tell your maternity team so they can include it in your birth care plan.
What Happens After Birth?
After you give birth, a small Bartholin cyst may become less noticeable as pregnancy-related pressure and swelling reduce. However, the blocked duct may remain, so you may still need a review if the lump continues, returns or causes discomfort.
You should tell your doctor if you have ongoing symptoms after delivery, as treatments such as a Word catheter or marsupialisation may be considered if needed. If you are breastfeeding, inform your healthcare team so they can check that any medicines, anaesthetics or procedures are suitable for you and your baby.
Myth vs Fact
| Myth | Fact |
| A Bartholin cyst will harm your unborn baby. | A small, uncomplicated cyst develops outside the womb and is unlikely to affect fetal development. |
| Every Bartholin cyst during pregnancy needs treatment. | A small, painless cyst may only require assessment and monitoring. |
| Antibiotics alone always cure a Bartholin abscess. | A painful abscess may require drainage because antibiotics cannot always empty trapped pus. |
| You cannot have a Word catheter while pregnant. | Word catheter treatment may be used when drainage is needed following individual gynaecological and maternity assessment. |
| A Bartholin cyst means you need a caesarean birth. | Most cysts do not determine the mode of birth, although a large or infected swelling needs assessment. |
| You should squeeze the cyst to help it drain. | Squeezing or piercing it can cause bleeding, worsen infection and damage the surrounding tissue. |
Key Takeaways:
- A small, painless Bartholin cyst is unlikely to harm you or your baby.
- A painful or rapidly enlarging swelling may be a Bartholin abscess and requires prompt assessment.
- Fever, spreading redness, pus or feeling generally unwell are reasons to contact your maternity or medical team.
- Paracetamol remains the first-choice painkiller during pregnancy when taken as directed.
- Do not use ibuprofen or another NSAID during pregnancy unless a healthcare professional advises it.
- A Word catheter may be considered when a symptomatic cyst or abscess requires drainage during pregnancy.
- Marsupialisation may be considered when less invasive treatment is unsuitable or unsuccessful.
- Bartholin gland removal is generally deferred until after pregnancy unless there is a compelling reason.
- A Bartholin cyst does not automatically prevent vaginal birth or require a caesarean birth.
FAQs:
1. Is a Bartholin cyst dangerous during pregnancy?
A small, painless Bartholin cyst is unlikely to be dangerous during pregnancy and does not normally affect your baby. Seek medical advice if it becomes painful, grows quickly, drains pus or is associated with fever or feeling unwell.
2. Can a Bartholin cyst harm your baby?
A Bartholin cyst develops in the external vulval area, not inside your womb, so it does not usually affect your baby’s growth or development. If the cyst becomes an abscess, your healthcare team can recommend pregnancy-appropriate treatment to manage the infection.
3. Can you have a Word catheter during pregnancy?
A Word catheter may be used during pregnancy when your clinician considers it appropriate. It can drain a painful cyst or abscess under local anaesthetic while maintaining an opening during healing.
4. Can a Bartholin cyst affect labour?
A Bartholin cyst does not usually prevent you from having a vaginal birth or mean you need a caesarean section. However, a large or painful swelling may make examinations or pushing uncomfortable, so your maternity team will assess your individual situation.
5. When should you seek urgent help for a Bartholin cyst in pregnancy?
You should contact your maternity team, GP or NHS 111 if you develop increasing pain, redness, swelling, pus, fever or feel generally unwell. Urgent assessment is important because these symptoms may indicate an abscess or spreading infection.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Bartholin Cysts During Pregnancy
Finding a Bartholin cyst during pregnancy can feel worrying, but most small, uncomplicated cysts are unlikely to harm you or your baby. The important thing is knowing when symptoms need medical attention, particularly if you develop increasing pain, signs of infection, rapid swelling or feel unwell. With appropriate assessment and treatment, most Bartholin cysts and abscesses can be managed safely during pregnancy.
Your care should be tailored to your symptoms, stage of pregnancy and individual circumstances. If you would like specialist support our team provides bartholin cyst treatment in London and can assess your symptoms, discuss your concerns and recommend the most appropriate investigations or treatment options based on your individual needs and circumstances.
References:
- Boujenah, J. et al. (2017) ‘Bartholin gland abscess during pregnancy: Report on 40 patients’, European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 212, pp. 65–68. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28342391/
- Grinberg, N. et al. (2021) ‘Clinical and microbiological features of Bartholin’s gland abscess in pregnant and non-pregnant women’, Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 34(7), pp. 1127–1132. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31154884/
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2009) Balloon catheter insertion for Bartholin’s cyst or abscess. HealthTech guidance HTG204. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/htg204
- NHS (2025) ‘Bartholin’s cyst’. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bartholins-cyst/
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (2026) ‘MHRA statement on new review of paracetamol safety during pregnancy’. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-statement-on-new-review-of-paracetamol-safety-during-pregnancy