Endometriosis Symptoms During Pregnancy

Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial cells, which are normally found inside of a woman's uterus, grow outside of the uterine cavity. During pregnancy the severity of endometriosis symptoms can decrease, however many women with the disease suffer from infertility so becoming pregnant may be difficult. Endometriosis symptoms during pregnancy can vary.

Menstruation

• Typically during menstruation, a woman with endometriosis will have an increase in symptoms such as pain, bleeding and uncomfortable scar tissue can form. Many women find that when they are pregnant their endometriosis is much more manageable due to the fact that they are not menstruating.

Pain

• While many women find their pain levels go down if they become pregnant, some find that the pain levels remain constant through pregnancy. This can be because of the existing scar tissue that is stretching from growth as a pregnancy progresses.

Miscarriage

• Medical professionals are divided upon whether or not endometriosis can make a woman more likely to have a miscarriage.

Complications

• Women who have had previous surgeries for their endometriosis can sometimes suffer from complications during pregnancy. This can involve internal bleeding from scar tissue. A few cases of Hemoperitoneum---bleeding inside the abdominal cavity---have been reported in pregnant women with endometriosis.

Post Pregnancy

• Some women with endometriosis find their symptoms do not return post partum. For some women the symptoms do not come back with nearly as much intensity as before. For other women the endometriosis comes back entirely and can cause continuing fertility issues.