Endometriosis is a disorder affecting 2–10% of women in the US. It occurs when the endometrium, the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside of the uterine cavity. It can be a painful disorder for women, and can bring with it increased risk for women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Below are some of the risks associated with endometriosis and pregnancy.
Pre-eclampsia
A 2017 population study in Denmark found that pregnant women with endometriosis have a higher risk of pre-eclampsia, which is a dangerous blood pressure disorder affecting pregnant women.
Placenta Previa
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta lies very low in the uterus, which can partially or fully cover the cervix. This can be a risk for mother and baby during delivery, and many placenta previa cases will lead to a cesarean delivery as a result.
Preterm Birth
One NIH study concluded that women with endometriosis are 1.5 times more likely to give birth preterm than those without it. A preterm birth is any birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. More research is needed to determine the reason why endo increases the likelihood of premature delivery, but the analysis of several studies points to a correlation.
Miscarriage
There have been numerous studies that point to higher miscarriage rates for women with endometriosis. Symptoms of miscarriage including bleeding, lower back pain, cramping, and passing of tissue before 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the symptoms are similar, but may be more painful or severe.
In addition to these risks, women with endometriosis are also more likely to suffer from infertility, which is the inability to conceive a child. Surgery and/or hormonal therapy are the standard treatments for endometriosis, but generally this is not the base treatment for women who are already pregnant.
Maintaining a high fiber diet to prevent constipation, taking warm baths, and stretching the back are some at-home treatments that can reduce the discomfort related to endometriosis. Be sure to consult your doctor if you have endo and are trying to become pregnant.
