I am aware that this is a sensitive topic as I know there are a lot of people on this forum who are struggling to conceive, so I am very sorry if this post affects you in any way.
I had surgery Jan 2023 and had most of my endo removed. The only thing that couldn't be removed was some tissue on the bladder surface.
I was very lucky to fall pregnant naturally this year and I am due next month. I need to get my birth plan sorted, but I am really struggling to decide what is best. For numerous reasons I am swaying towards opting for a C Section, but after speaking with a consultant she has said that a Cesarean could cause long term problems with the bladder scarring that was left. However it is completely unknown as it depends on what the tissue is like now. It could have got worse since my surgery last year, or it could have suppressed due to the high hormones in pregnancy.
I then asked about Endo and vaginal births.. whether it could be straight forward or increased pain and duration of labour.. and she said again it depends on the severity of the Endo now.. and as we all know on here.. you don't know how bad the Endo is until someone cuts you open!
My concern is that I opt for a vaginal birth (not really my preference right now), and then end up needing an 'emergency' C Section anyway which possibly could mean less care taken over scar tissue, and a less relaxing experience.
I am hoping that someone reading this might be able to share their experience and thoughts ...
Thank you for your time
x
Written by
JT1992
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I haven’t had children, but every time they’ve done an op for Endo, adhesions etc they’ve said you can get adhesions from surgery. You’re doing the right think considering all options and definitely not easy thinking about it all. I hope it does all go well for you whatever decision you make.
Congratulations on the pregnancy. Can I ask have you had any endo pain during pregnancy? If so what has it felt like to you I'm pregnant too and I feel like I've have had a few flares but not many and it's hard to work out if it's pregnancy pains or not
At the beginning of my pregnancy I had to have a really early scan (6 weeks I think) because I had horrendous cramping. Cramping is normal at first but shouldn’t be overly painful. Baby was fine and they put it down to endometriosis. Since then I haven’t had any cramping until recently but I think that’s Braxton hicks as it came and went very quickly. I do get pains when I turn over at night etc but not so much the endo pains like the start. If you do get any pains it’s always best to ring your midwives just to check and be sure.
Have thought about what type of birth you’re going to have?
Would you say the braxon hicks is like lower middle pelvic cramping that doesn't last long? Think I've been having that recently too Will mention it to midwife
What would you say your endo pain feels like to you if you don't mind me asking?
For birth options I'm gunna go with whatever the consultant thinks is best I'm under consultant because I developed gestational diabetes during this pregnancy. For me I don't mind which birth I have. It is hard to decide as have heard that endo can grow on c section scar eventually so that's tough also. I do understand your worries as I'm the same x
Congratulations on your pregnancy. I have stage 4 endo and I have two children (I am very aware of how lucky I am). My first was a natural birth before I was diagnosed but he was premature and there are some suggestions that the endo may have played a part in that (luckly he is absolutely fine). My second was after two endo surgeries and I had a lot more pain during my pregnancy and during labour. I had opted for another natural birth but ended up needing an emergency c section. I don't know if the endo had anything to do with needing the c section but I am convinced it was responsible for the increased pain I felt during pregnancy and labour. It just felt like my body couldn't stretch enough to accommodate the baby. Whatever you decide will be the right decision for you. I wish you all the best for delivery and beyond.
I think it is possible. I have had another surgery since the c section and am currently awaiting my fourth op. This one will be a much bigger op and my symptoms are definitely a lot worse now then they were before my c section. However I don't know if that is partially because of the c section scarring or not. I might just be really unlucky. All I can say is my babies are worth it and in many ways I count myself lucky.
Hey,Congratulations to you. I am also a very lucky and blessed human. I have been diagnosed with endo since I was 21 (31 now) and I was actually diagnosed with it during my first ultrasound with my eldest. With her, I had the easiest labour and childbirth- an absolute dream. No endo pain with her either.
With my twins however (again, I know I'm so lucky to have conceived naturally!) I was in premature labour from 20 weeks, bled continually and the pain was ridiculous. I had a c-section with them 37 weeks on the dot after 10 weeks in hospital. The pain following my c section is so much worse- and I'm putting that down to all the scarred tissue. My section scar got infection internally twice, my bleeding was non stop for nearly 5 months post birth and then I went back to my "regular" 10 day cycle. If I had any other choice as an endo sufferer, I would have given birth naturally. The recovery and after effects were so much better.
That said- to get my babies here safely, I would have done anything for them so I shouldn't complain!
Also- just to throw another spanner in the works, birthing plans can quite often go out of the window 😂 definitely have some ideals in mind though. I wish you all the luck in the world! Happy to answer any gory questions if you have any
I’ve got a huge endometrioma like 11cm. I’ve also got a two year old who I conceived naturally and gave birth to at home in the pool.
I’ve also got a 7 year old who came naturally and quickly.
At hospital I had a lot of birth trauma because of how many women are treated like cattle so chose to have my baby at home as it affected me badly the first time.
All I would say is
Even with illness and disability I also have a disability the human body is amazing and can do what is was designed to do given the right tools
I made sure I was moving all the time Danced, swam swimming helps baby get into position so does being upright
Take plenty vitamins
I had Epsom and lavender bath every day
Anything to reduce inflammation
My daughter was 8lb 7oz born overdue and was born in her sack in water
It was painful I didn’t even push with her but did the body prep so the rest took over
Any cut to your body will leave something it’s how we were designed
Also is harder to care for baby after c section
My mum had three most of my friends did one of mine had c sec then after my support she had natural her experience was better and she was able to look after baby better
So if your body allows you to if you are confident in yourself I’m sure you will be fine
You have to be strong and believe in your self.
Maybe you will have a quick birth who knows it’s your first
hi this was me it was very stressful towards to the end as I just didn’t know if I was making the right decision.
From day 1 I said c section , vaginal birth was giving me major anxiety and my stress levels would hit the roof I knew I wouldn’t cope with one .
I have had 2 major surgeries and my pain from endo and adenmyosis is so severe after the surgery anyway so pain wise I know nothing will change .
My consultant said go for natural but it’s up to me , I’m so glad I stuck to my choice as he was 9lb 1 and his head looked big .
Just go with you gut feeling that’s what I did obviously there can be complications it’s not a easy way out baby for me I knew when I was booked in etc , I said I’m only having 1 anyway not sure 2 would happen but my body has been through enough so for me that it , lucky to just have one xx
Hi firstly congratulations 🎉 everyone is different in terms of how their body reacts to childbirth. I have been lucky enough to have 2 children and my second was a home birth. Both were quick, and no complications. I will say that as I have developed a very high pain threshold due to having endometriosis, I managed the majority of the labour on paracetamol alone, on both occasions the midwife did not realise how far along I was, and I never got my water birth because did not have enough time to fill it up at home. I feel that childbirth is very individual and even the best made birthing plan is not guaranteed to happen. My only advice is don't be automatically put off by the idea of a vaginal birth but go with whatever you feel is going to be best for you
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