Pregnant with endometriosis, what will happen?

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that should line the uterine wall (endometrium) grows and builds up outside the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. Endometrisosis can cause chronic pelvic pain and a variety of other symptoms. Women with endometriosis may find it more difficult to get pregnant. One study found that about 15-20% of fertile couples who try to conceive will be successful each month, but that chance decreases by 2-10% if the couple has endometriosis.

Even so, having endometriosis during pregnancy might also increase the risk of complications.

Being pregnant with endometriosis can make the symptoms worse

Pregnancy can affect the symptoms of endometriosis. Every pregnant woman with endometriosis experiences different effects. However, some women find the symptoms of endometriosis getting worse during pregnancy.

This may be caused by the growing uterus (womb) for the growing fetus to put excessive pressure on the area of ​​the uterine wall.

Another factor that can make endometriosis symptoms more serious during pregnancy is an increase in the hormone estrogen, which can encourage more endometriosis lesions.

However, being pregnant with endometriosis can also relieve symptoms

Pregnant with endometriosis will have a different impact on each woman. How severe your disease is, your body's hormone production, and how your body responds to pregnancy will all affect the symptoms of endometriosis.

Some women find that the symptoms of endometriosis get worse during pregnancy. However, some others feel that being pregnant with endometriosis can relieve symptoms.

During pregnancy, the main symptoms of endometriosis will temporarily disappear or reduce. The symptoms in question are pain and heavy bleeding during menstruation. This is what makes some women feel that the symptoms of endometriosis during pregnancy will decrease.

In addition, increasing levels of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy can also reduce symptoms. This hormone can suppress and possibly even shrink the growth of the endometrium.

A study reports that progestins (synthetic progesterone) can reduce endometriosis pain in about 90 percent of women. Progestins are the standard treatment for endometriosis.

However, these improved symptoms will not last long. Symptoms of endometriosis will likely return after delivery. Usually the symptoms will reappear after the first menstruation starts again after pregnancy. Although breastfeeding can delay these symptoms.

Even so, it does not mean that pregnancy can cure endometriosis. Pregnancy is not a way to treat or treat endometriosis.

Risks of getting pregnant with endometriosis

Women with endometriosis are more at risk of developing complications during pregnancy or childbirth. This can be caused by damage to the uterine structure and the influence of hormones that cause endometriosis.

There are no specific tests or treatments for women who are pregnant with endometriosis. However, having endometriosis can slightly increase your risk of the following complications.

1. Preeclampsia

The results of a 2017 study in Denmark reported that pregnant women with endometriosis had a higher risk of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia symptoms include:

• high blood pressure
• headache
• blurred or blurry vision
• pain under the ribs

Pregnant women with endometriosis who have symptoms of preeclampsia should see a doctor immediately.

2. Placenta previa

A 2016 study showed that being pregnant with endometriosis can increase the risk of placenta previa.

Placenta previa is when the placenta is very low in the uterus, partially or completely covering the cervix (cervix).

Placenta previa increases your risk of having a placenta that ruptures during labor. A ruptured placenta can cause heavy bleeding and harm you and your baby.

The main symptom of this condition is vaginal bleeding that is bright red in color. If bleeding is small, women may be advised to limit activities, including sex and exercise. If the discharge is severe, you may need blood transfusions and a caesarean section.

3. Miscarriage

Several studies have reported that the rate of miscarriage is higher in women with endometriosis than without the condition. This even occurs in women with mild endometriosis.

There is nothing you or your doctor can do to stop a miscarriage, but it is important to recognize the symptoms so that you can seek medical help quickly and precisely.

If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant, the symptoms of a miscarriage are similar to those of menstruation and include bleeding, cramps and low back pain. Symptoms of a miscarriage beyond 12 weeks of pregnancy are generally the same as symptoms of a miscarriage before 12 weeks, but may be more severe.

4. Premature birth

Research shows that having endometriosis can increase the risk of preterm birth. This is when the baby is born at less than 37 weeks of gestation.

Babies born prematurely tend to have low birth weight and are more likely to experience health and development problems. Symptoms of preterm birth include:

• regular contractions
• there is blood in the vaginal discharge and it has a slimy texture
• pressure in the pelvis

5. Cesarean delivery

According to research, having endometriosis can increase the chances of a cesarean delivery. A caesarean section uses a surgical procedure in the abdominal area to remove the baby if normal delivery is not possible.

Doctors can perform a cesarean delivery if a vaginal birth is not safe for the woman or the baby.

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