Endometriosis and pregnancy: the basics
Does pregnancy cure endometriosis?
No. It's one of the most common myths. In an Endometriosis UK survey of over 1,000 people, 79% said they had been told to get pregnant to cure or ease their symptoms. There is no cure, and symptoms often return once your periods come back after birth.
Some women do find their pain eases during pregnancy, as periods stop and hormone levels change. Others notice little difference, and some feel more discomfort, particularly early on. All of these experiences are normal.
Is endometriosis a risk in pregnancy?
Large studies link endometriosis with a higher chance of some complications. A Scottish national study of over 5,000 women with endometriosis found higher rates of:
- miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy in early pregnancy
- placenta praevia (a low-lying placenta covering the cervix)
- bleeding in pregnancy and after birth
- preterm birth (before 37 weeks)
An Australian population study also found a modestly higher risk of pre-eclampsia. Risks appear higher with more severe disease, such as deep endometriosis or adenomyosis.
It's important to keep this in perspective. A higher relative risk still means most women with endometriosis don't experience these complications. Knowing about them simply helps you and your midwife spot anything early.
First trimester (weeks 1 to 12): settling in
What you might feel
Early pregnancy brings cramping, pulling and twinges as your womb starts to grow. If you have endometriosis, scar tissue (adhesions) can make this stretching feel sharper or more familiar than you'd like. It's easy to worry that any pain means something is wrong.
Add in nausea, tiredness and tender breasts, and the first 12 weeks can feel tough, especially if you already live with fatigue.
What your care team may monitor
- Tell your midwife or GP about your endometriosis at booking. Include any surgery, adenomyosis or endometriomas (ovarian cysts).
- An early scan may be offered, particularly after IVF or a previous ectopic pregnancy, to confirm the pregnancy is in the womb.
- Medication review. Hormonal treatments for endometriosis are usually stopped. Check any painkillers with your GP, midwife or pharmacist. Ibuprofen and similar anti-inflammatories are generally not recommended in pregnancy unless a doctor advises them.
Comfort tips
- Rest when you can, and try a warm (not hot) water bottle on your lower back.
- Gentle walking and pregnancy yoga can ease stiffness.
- Keep a simple symptom diary. It helps you spot what's normal for you and explain changes clearly at appointments.
Second trimester (weeks 13 to 27): finding your rhythm
What you might feel
For many women this is the easiest stretch. Nausea often fades, energy returns, and some find their usual endometriosis pain quietens down.
Others notice new aches as the bump grows. Round ligament pain (sharp pulls low in the tummy or groin) is common in all pregnancies. Adhesions can add to this, and lower back and hip pain often start to build.
What your care team may monitor
- The 20-week anomaly scan also checks where your placenta sits. Because placenta praevia is more common with endometriosis, you may be offered a follow-up scan later on if it's low.
- Blood pressure and urine checks at each appointment help pick up early signs of pre-eclampsia.
- If you've had IVF, deep endometriosis or adenomyosis, ask whether you'll be under consultant-led care.
Comfort tips
- Start sleeping on your side now. It's recommended from 28 weeks, and building the habit early makes it easier.
- Support your bump and back in bed so your pelvis stays level and your hips aren't twisting.
- Keep moving gently. Swimming takes weight off sore joints and many women with endometriosis find it soothing.
Third trimester (weeks 28 to birth): preparing to meet your baby
What you might feel
As your baby grows, pressure on your pelvis, back and bladder increases. If endometriosis affects your bowel or bladder, you may notice more discomfort there. Broken sleep, heartburn and restless hips are common for everyone at this stage.
What your care team may monitor
- Placenta position. If your placenta was low at 20 weeks, a scan around 32 weeks checks whether it has moved up.
- Signs of early labour. Because preterm birth is a little more likely, know the signs and when to call your maternity unit.
- Birth planning. Talk through your options with your midwife or consultant. Previous surgery, adenomyosis or a low placenta may shape whether a vaginal birth or caesarean is recommended. Many women with endometriosis have straightforward vaginal births.
Comfort tips
- Sleep on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between them to keep your hips aligned.
- Tuck support under your bump to take the pull off your lower back.
- Prop yourself up slightly if heartburn keeps you awake.
- Pelvic floor exercises and antenatal physio can help with pelvic girdle pain. Ask your midwife for a referral.
Comfort and sleep when you're pregnant with endometriosis
Good support at night makes a real difference when your pelvis, back and hips are already sensitive. Every trimester above comes back to the same thing: keeping your body aligned and supported while you rest.
That's exactly why we designed the BellaMoon 3-in-1 Pillow. Our founder created BellaMoon for women whose bodies need a bit more care, and many of our customers first found us while managing endometriosis, long before pregnancy.
How it helps through each stage:
- First and second trimester: use it between your knees and along your back to ease pelvic and hip ache as you learn to sleep on your side.
- Third trimester: wrap it to support your bump, back and knees at once, taking the strain off your lower back and pelvis.
- After birth: it becomes a nursing pillow, bringing your baby to the right height so you're not hunching while recovering.
Made with organic cotton and finished in our signature prints, it's designed to look as good on your bed as it feels.
Shop the 3-in-1 Pregnancy & Nursing Pillow
After birth: what happens to endometriosis?
Many women enjoy a break from symptoms while periods are absent, and breastfeeding can extend that break. Once your cycle returns, endometriosis symptoms often come back. Mention your history at your 6-week check so you have a plan in place.
If you had a caesarean, let your GP know about any new cyclical pain or a lump near the scar. Endometriosis can occasionally develop in caesarean scars.
When to call your midwife or maternity unit
Don't wait for your next appointment if you have:
- any vaginal bleeding
- severe or one-sided tummy pain, especially in early pregnancy
- regular tightenings or a gush or trickle of fluid before 37 weeks
- a bad headache, vision problems or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
- fewer baby movements than usual
You know your body. If something feels different from your usual endometriosis pain, get it checked.
FAQs
Can you have a normal pregnancy with endometriosis? Yes. Most women with endometriosis have healthy pregnancies and babies, with routine NHS care.
Will endometriosis pain get worse in pregnancy? It varies. Many find it eases, some notice little change, and adhesions can cause stretching pain as the womb grows.
Will I need a caesarean? Not necessarily. Your birth plan depends on your own history and how your pregnancy goes. Discuss it with your care team.
Where can I get support? Endometriosis UK runs a helpline on 0808 808 2227, plus an online community and local support groups.
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your midwife, GP or consultant.
Sources
- Endometriosis UK: pregnancy is not a cure
- nidirect: Endometriosis
- Saraswat et al., Pregnancy outcomes in women with endometriosis (BJOG, 2017)
- Associations between endometriosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes (Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2023)
- Gruber et al., Women with endometriosis: who is at risk? (J Clin Med, 2024)
