Endometriosis and giving birth

[Guest Posts]

Why do some women with endometriosis easily give birth, when others can’t?
Thank you, Marie

[Karolina Afors]

Most women with endometriosis will have a normal pregnancy and generally during pregnancy symptoms related to endometriosis tend to improve. In some instances, however, as the uterus enlarges it can cause traction on surrounding structures or adhesions which may contribute to symptoms of pain, especially in instances where women have more extensive endometriosis.

Endometriosis may increase your risk for pregnancy and delivery complications. There is evidence of a higher rate of miscarriage in women with endometriosis. Equally, some evidence suggests higher risk of preterm labour in women with endometriosis. Endometriosis has also been reported as a risk factor for low lying placenta (placenta praaevia) and as such women may experience bleeding complications both antenatally and postnatally as a result of this. It is therefore recommended that women are followed up a little more frequently during the pregnancy.