Understanding your condition and what to expect
Maternal-Fetal Medicine · Atlanta Perinatal Associates
A benign (non-cancerous) growth on the pituitary gland — a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain that controls important hormones.
Normal increase in pituitary volume during pregnancy
The pregnancy hormone that drives this normal enlargement
This enlargement is a healthy, expected part of pregnancy
Most common type. Produces extra prolactin (a milk hormone).
Does not produce excess hormones. Generally lower risk in pregnancy.
Rare. Include ACTH- or GH-secreting tumors. Require specialist care.
Smaller than 10 mm
Risk of growth: < 5%
Low risk. Close monitoring is usually all that is needed.
10 mm or larger
Risk of growth: 20–31%
Requires more frequent monitoring during pregnancy.
Dopamine agonist medications (e.g., cabergoline, bromocriptine) are typically stopped at conception to minimize fetal exposure.
Your MFM specialist will guide you on when — and whether — to restart after delivery.
New, persistent, or worsening
Blurring, double vision, or loss of side vision
Go to the emergency room immediately
Most patients have no symptoms at all — but we want to know right away if you do.
A sudden bleed or loss of blood supply inside the adenoma. Very uncommon.
"Thunderclap" headache, nausea, vision loss, or eye movement problems.
Treatable. Most reported cases have excellent outcomes for mother and baby.
Safe and appropriate for most women with pituitary adenomas.
Reserved for standard obstetric reasons, not the adenoma itself.
If your pituitary function is low, you will receive special medication during labor.
Generally safe for micro- and stable macroadenomas. Discuss with your team.
Usually resumed after breastfeeding ends, or sooner if the tumor grows.
Scheduled postpartum to assess tumor size and guide long-term management.
| Adenoma Type | Growth Risk | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Microprolactinoma (<10 mm) | < 5% — Low | Stop medication; clinical monitoring |
| Macroprolactinoma (≥10 mm) | 20–31% — Moderate | Monthly visual field exams; restart medication if growth |
| Resected Macroadenoma | < 5% — Low | Clinical monitoring; usually safe off medication |
| Non-Functioning (Micro) | Very Low | Routine prenatal care |
| Non-Functioning (Macro) | Low–Moderate | Visual field monitoring; MRI if symptoms |
Will this harm my baby?
Most adenomas do not affect the baby. We monitor closely to keep both of you safe.
Can I have a normal pregnancy?
Yes. The majority of patients with pituitary adenomas have healthy pregnancies.
Do I need surgery during pregnancy?
Rarely. Surgery is reserved for significant, progressive vision loss that does not respond to medication.
You are not alone. Our team — including your MFM specialist, endocrinologist, and neurosurgeon when needed — will work together to support a safe, healthy pregnancy.
Atlanta Perinatal Associates · Maternal-Fetal Medicine