Endometriosis in early pregnancy - does it get better?

[Rabbitjungle1]

I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2018. Since then, I've been told conflicting things about endo in pregnancy - i.e. was told by one GP that pregnancy is the best thing for endo and that pain will disappear entirely due to hormonal changes, but was told by another GP this isn't guaranteed and not before 12 weeks, when the placenta develops.

I'm currently 4 weeks pregnant. This is my second pregnancy in 6 months (my first ended in a miscarriage in September), and my endo pain has flared up overnight. Could it be that my uterus is already stretching, and causing irritation to the endo/scarring? I hadn't had any pain since the MC 5 months ago, until last night.

For any other endo sufferers out there in a similar situation, how have you managed the pain without NSAIDs during pregnancy? And for those who are further along or who have had previous pregnancies, did you find that the pain reduced over time?

My GP has been no help and the waitlist for a gynae referral is so long on the NHS. I'm worried that my endo was a contributing factor to my previous miscarriage, and that it might happen again if I can't get control over the pain and worry it's causing.

Hi just wondering how you got on in the end ? I'm 5 weeks pregnant and since I've found out my endo has flared so much.... I've almost constant cramps in my tummy and back. I had a chemical in Oct so super nervous. Only thing putting me at ease is my test line on pregnancy test is now darker than the control and I've moved to 2-3 weeks on CB. I hope you got on well with the rest of your pregnancy x

Hi @Millybops. Sadly that pregnancy ended in a miscarriage but I am currently 17 weeks into a new pregnancy. After my last miscarriage I received support from a specialist consultant who advised that for a minority of endo sufferers, an influx of pregnancy hormones can trigger an endo flare up during the first trimester. There's unfortunately nothing much that can be done, but once your placenta takes over the pain should subside. After another rough start to this pregnancy, I haven't had any pain since I hit 10 weeks.

So sorry to hear that you've been badly suffering and I really hope your pregnancy progresses well. Remember that paracetamol is fine to take (per NHS guidelines).

Thank you for your reply.. delighted to hear your pregnancy is going much better now and I wish you all the best.

Sadly cramps and bleeding happened not long after this message and I passed a big tissue on Tues 2/1/24 I'm not still bleeding while not always heavy it's always deep fresh blood if that makes sense. Sometimes the cramps can be unbearable. Constantly taken Nurofen and paracetamol. I had 2 pregnancy tests left and done them both last night and line on test side of pregnancy strop test was darker than control and still getting 2-3 weeks on clear blue. Sometimes I feel nausea and have headaches... I'm getting over a cold with fevers etc started to feel unwell on Wednesday 3/1/24 I rang epu on Thurs as online it said to contact if get flu like symptoms after miscarriage... she said not to worry etc.
I'm wondering if maybe signs of infection or normal miscarriage symptoms. I'm with my GP tomorrow anyway so I'll run passed some questions.