Following Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in Pregnancy

These instructions are for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients who are discharged home following a radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Important information:

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a type of minimally invasive procedure.

• Patients who have radiofrequency ablation may go on to have either a vaginal or cesarean delivery. Your delivery plan will be determined by your obstetric care team.

• The Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment will be in close contact with your referring and primary healthcare providers after the surgery.

Patient instructions following radiofrequency ablation:

• Limit your activities for 1-2 weeks after surgery:

  • It is very important to stay off your feet for the first week after surgery. You should only get up for meals, to shower and to use the bathroom. The rest of the time you should be lying down on your side or reclining. Resting increases blood flow to your uterus and baby. It also reduces pressure on your cervix; this may help you have fewer contractions and prevent labor.

  • Follow the instructions from your provider to gradually increase your activity after your follow-up appointment.

• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet.

• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to help with constipation.

• Continue to take your prenatal vitamins every day.

• You will receive full instructions on any additional medicine you are prescribed at discharge.

• A follow-up appointment and ultrasound will be scheduled one week after your surgery. Call the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment if you were not given the date and time for this appointment before discharge.

• After your follow-up visit, you will likely go home and be cared for by your obstetrician for the remainder of your pregnancy. They will make decisions about how often you will have ultrasounds and prenatal care appointments for the remainder or your pregnancy.

Call your CHOP healthcare team with questions, concerns or if:

• Your incision, the cut on your stomach, is red, warm, tender to touch, or has drainage

• You have a temperature of over 101°F (38.5°C)

• Fluid leaks from your vagina

• You have vaginal bleeding

• You have persistent back pain, cramping, abdominal tightening, or pelvic pressure

• You have chest pain or difficulty breathing

• You have changes with urination like pain or burning, blood in the urine, or it has a strong, foul smell

Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment

Reviewed on May 4, 2023, by Shawnese Duren, MSN, CRNP/CNM, RNC-OB; Shelly Soni, MD