A Chicago mother is sharing her remarkable pregnancy journey after doctors successfully removed massive uterine fibroids weighing a combined 27 pounds while she was still pregnant.
According to a report by People Magazine, Brionna Johnson had been living with eight large fibroids since 2024, but her symptoms worsened after becoming pregnant with her second child in December 2025. The growth of the tumors caused significant pain, rapid abdominal enlargement, and about 20 pounds of weight gain in just ten weeks. (People.com)
Several doctors advised Johnson that the safest option would be to terminate the pregnancy and undergo a hysterectomy to remove the fibroids and prevent further complications. Determined to continue her pregnancy, she sought a second opinion. (People.com)
At 17 weeks pregnant, obstetrician-gynecologist Pierre Johnson performed a complex surgery to remove the tumors through a small incision while preserving both the uterus and the pregnancy. The procedure successfully removed all 27 pounds of fibroids without harming the baby. (People.com)
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in or on the uterus and are very common among women of reproductive age. While many cause no symptoms, large fibroids can lead to pelvic pressure, pain, or complications during pregnancy. (Wikipedia)
Following the surgery, Johnson says she has begun feeling her baby move and describes the experience as giving her a “new lease on life.” She is now expected to deliver a healthy baby in August and says she is grateful she pursued another medical opinion when faced with such a difficult decision. (People.com)
Her story highlights something many birth workers emphasize: the importance of informed consent, patient advocacy, and second opinions when facing difficult medical decisions. In complex pregnancies, specialized care and collaborative decision-making can sometimes open doors to options that were not initially presented.
For families navigating complicated diagnoses during pregnancy, this story serves as a powerful reminder that seeking additional perspectives can be life-changing.
