Endometriosis During Pregnancy

Women with endometriosis (referred to as endo by many sufferers) often have a difficult time getting pregnant, if they can get pregnant. However, a new study shows that more risks loom for women with endo who do get pregnant.

The largest study ever of endometriosis in pregnant women, published online at Human Reproduction, found that the condition is a major risk factor for premature birth. Dr. Henrik Falconer, of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, indicated his team found that women with endo also had a higher risk of other pregnancy complications and are more likely to give birth through Caesarean section.

“Our findings indicate that women with endometriosis may be considered a high risk group and have special care during pregnancy,” said Dr. Falconer. He presented the study findings today at the 25th annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

Researchers say that pregnant women with endo are also more prone to pre-eclampsia, which involves the development of high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine during pregnancy.

While this study may seem to be gloomy news, Dr. Falconer urges that’s it’s good info to have:

“Our research provides clinicians with important information in the search for the factors associated with premature birth. Given that endometriosis is relatively common in women of childbearing age, we hope that our results will lead to pregnant women with this condition receiving extra attention, thus enabling them to have normal pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies.”

If you’re an endo sufferer, have you had complications during pregnancy?

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