Endometriosis during pregnancy and the 3 possible risks

Every woman wants to have a healthy pregnancy. On the other hand, it cannot be denied that pregnant women are prone to experiencing various health problems during pregnancy. One of the most common pregnancy problems is endometriosis. What is the effect if the mother experiences endometriosis during pregnancy? Are there any risks for the development of the baby in the womb?

Endometriosis during pregnancy should not be underestimated

Endometriosis is a growth of tissue lining the lining of the uterus (endometrium) outside the uterus, most commonly in your fallopian tubes. This tissue continues to function like normal uterine tissue, it will also shed into blood during menstruation. However, because it grows outside the uterus, blood cannot flow outside the body and is trapped inside. This condition can cause inflammation that results in excessive pain during menstruation.

Endometriosis generally makes it difficult for women to get pregnant. Even so, it is not uncommon for women to experience endometriosis during pregnancy. The increase in the hormone progesterone during pregnancy can temporarily stop the intense pain symptoms, because progesterone stops the formation and shedding of the endometrium.

However, the hormone estrogen also increases at the same time. This hormone can trigger the growth of the endometrium so that pain due to endometriosis during pregnancy may still be felt by some women.

Pregnancy hormone factors, physical health, and the severity of endometriosis symptoms experienced by women before becoming pregnant can also affect the onset of symptoms during pregnancy. Endometriosis is the cause of chronic inflammation in the body, so it can increase the risk of pregnancy problems experienced by pregnant women. In addition, the effects of endometriosis will return when you are no longer pregnant and breastfeeding.

Risk of pregnancy complications due to endometriosis

Inflammation and damage to endometrial tissue caused by endometriosis, along with hormonal changes during pregnancy, can increase some of the risk of pregnancy complications. Among them:

Miscarriage

A number of studies have shown that the risk of miscarriage tends to be higher for women who have endometriosis while pregnant. Miscarriage caused by endometriosis can occur at any gestational age, but is common at a very early age or around less than 12 weeks of gestation.

Miscarriage cannot be prevented. However, it is important for you to recognize the signs of a miscarriage that you should watch out for to get immediate medical attention and prevent further complications. Common signs and symptoms of miscarriage are heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal cramps, and lower back pain.

Placenta previa

Placenta previa occurs when all or part of the placenta covers part or all of the mother's cervix (cervix) during the final months of pregnancy leading up to the birth of the baby. Placenta previa increases the risk of tearing of the placental lining and causing bleeding before and during childbirth, which can harm both mother and baby.

If you have endometriosis while pregnant, your risk of developing placenta previa can increase. When bleeding during childbirth occurs as a result of placenta previa, you will need to get a blood transfusion immediately and have a cesarean section.

To avoid this risk, your doctor may advise you to avoid activities that require a lot of physical activity, including sexual intercourse and exercise.

Premature delivery

Pregnant women who have endometriosis are at high risk for preterm delivery under 37 weeks of age. Premature delivery can cause low birth weight babies (LBW) and various growth and development disorders. Premature babies also generally need intensive medical care immediately after birth.

Because of this, pay attention to some of the signs and symptoms that you might give birth to prematurely, such as:

• Repetitive contractions such as hardening of the muscles around the abdomen which may be accompanied or without pain.
• Changes in vaginal fluid such as mucus that is clear or accompanied by blood.
• Sudden pressure in the pelvic area.

Is it possible that labor can be smooth when you have endometriosis during pregnancy?

Pregnant with endometriosis is a condition that is very risky for many health complications. However, pregnant women can still have a safe pregnancy and give birth safely until the end of time. To achieve this, extra close supervision and regular doctor consultations are required. Immediately report to your doctor if you experience unusual symptoms or when you experience signs of the complications above as early as possible.

Things you can do to reduce the effects of endometriosis during pregnancy

Endometriosis can usually be treated with hormone therapy, but this method of treatment does not apply to pregnant women.

Endometriosis during pregnancy can only be treated by relieving the symptoms that arise, such as by taking pain medication to reduce the pain. You also need to consult with your doctor about the frequency and safe dosage of this drug.

Several other things can be done such as relaxation by soaking in warm water, preventing constipation by eating fiber-rich foods, and light exercise such as walking and yoga to treat back pain during pregnancy.

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