Endo & pregnancy.

[CLN1986]

Hi.

I have stage 4 endo (on my left side) and have been very lucky to get pregnant thru our first ivf cycle. I am currently 17 weeks but am getting slight cramping style pains/discomfort in the left of my lower belly. I know these can just be normal pregnancy aches but has anyone else had similar? Also, I get a weekly headache/foggy head...do you think this could be related?

Thank you ladies xx

[Tillyfloss]

hi. Congratulations 😊. Have you had your 16 week check? If you've not been over doing it might be worth having a word with your midwife just to put your mind at rest. Have you had surgery on that side? You will get growing pains which if you have scar tissue can be more painful. For the headache/ fog I had it in my first pregnancy ( we didn't know I had endometriosis then) so I think that's a common pregnancy symptom, I think it eased off at 20weeks. enjoy your miracle 😊. Cx

[CLN1986 in reply to Tillyfloss]

Ive had my 16 week check and been to the doctors. They were both happy with my bloods and blood pressure. The doctor seems to think it could be tension headaches so we going to keep an eye on it. I didn’t have any surgery, we just went straight for ivf. Thank you for your reply x

[Lyn84]

Although pregnancy is suppose to help ease endo it aggravated mine and i have read of other ppl whos endo flared up while pregnant

[Sfarre]

You know...I am also 17 weeks pregnant with first ivf, and came on here to post the exact same thing!!! I also have extensive endo, had a lap six months before the ivf. For the last few days, I've been experiencing endo like period pains. Not excruciating and for long periods, but very familiar feeling! That is so interesting that you are experiencing the same thing. Maybe it is the endo? I do know that there is a major growth spurt for weeks 16-20, so maybe something to do with that as well? Sorry I'm really none the wiser on this!

[CLN1986 in reply to Sfarre]

It’s good to know there is someone else experience the same, altho, I wish we both wasn’t. I didn’t have any surgery before we went for ivf. I would def say having a growth spurt, my belly has popped! So maybe that’s not helping. They say the second trimester is the best one, but I wouldn’t agree, I’m still feeling tired (could it be the endo?) how else are you feeling? xx

[StefaniaJW]

I've seen lots of women with stage 4 endometriosis get pregnant naturally after surgery. Unfortunately oftentimes unexperienced doctors tell you to go straight to IVF, which is not to be taken as a first option (a well-performed laparoscopy is the best first option).

You need to have a visit with an endo specialist who is able to see what that left-side pain may be due to via ultrasound.

Anyway congratulations for the amazing journey!! Always ask midwives and such about any weird thing you may be experiencing. Wish you a wonderful pregnancy!!