Pregnancy Monitoring Clinic for Women with Endometriosis

Our clinic is dedicated to pregnant women affected by endometriosis. It was established to offer specialised care that addresses the unique challenges and potential complications of the condition during pregnancy. The clinic serves any pregnant woman suffering from the disease, not only those being treated in the Endometriosis Unit at Sheba.

Given that endometriosis is linked with a higher risk of obstetric complications, including issues like placental abruption, premature births, and preeclampsia, among others, it's recommended that anyone with endometriosis who is pregnant get monitored at a high-risk pregnancy clinic. 

Additionally, many women with endometriosis also suffer from adenomyosis (the penetration of endometrial cells into the myometrium - the muscle of the uterus), which can also be associated with obstetric complications

Should there be no medical indication for surgical intervention, vaginal delivery is favoured over caesarean section. Under typical circumstances for both vaginal births and the majority of caesarean sections, the involvement of an endometriosis specialist is not required. However, should the need arise, the Endometriosis Centre will facilitate the involvement of a surgeon who specializes in the condition.

Another reason to regularly see a pregnancy specialist with expertise in endometriosis is that patients may also have other health issues, like fibromyalgia and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Doesn't pregnancy improve - if not cure - endometriosis?

The belief that pregnancy cures endometriosis is a common myth, stemming from the occasional remission of the disease and its symptoms during pregnancy.  Frequently, individuals with endometriosis might notice their symptoms getting worse during the first trimester.  This is often attributed to the expansion of the uterus and the enlargement of existing foci and adhesions. This mainly depends on the condition of the woman's pelvis at the time of pregnancy. In most cases, during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, there tends to be a beneficial effect as the uterus ascends from the pelvis, resulting in reduced tension on the ligaments supporting the uterus and decreased pressure on the adhesions.

What about the use of painkillers during pregnancy?

Most of the common pain relievers for use among endometriosis patients are prohibited for use during pregnancy. Most NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Nurofen, Nerosin, Voltaren, etc.) are prohibited for use, depending on the different stages of pregnancy. Some painkillers are prohibited in the first few weeks, while others are prohibited only in the last trimester. The options are very limited during pregnancy, so it's worth exploring alternatives such as complementary medicine and tailored nutritional plans.

Is it important to continue monitoring even after birth?

Yes. It is crucial to maintain follow-up appointments at the Endometriosis Clinic after the postpartum period (approximately six weeks after giving birth) to initiate hormonal treatment. Consistent follow-up and treatment play a vital role in minimising the disease's progression and safeguarding future fertility.

Appointments are made through the high-risk pregnancy clinics. When contacting us, please mention the new endometriosis clinic for pregnant women.