Fertility
Does endometriosis make pregnancy high risk?
The short answer
Most people with endometriosis have healthy pregnancies, but it can be associated with a higher likelihood of certain complications. These include placenta previa, preterm birth, bleeding during pregnancy and cesarean delivery. Risk is not the same for everyone.
Most people with endometriosis go on to have healthy pregnancies, but the condition can be associated with a higher likelihood of certain complications. In studies, endometriosis has been linked with an increased risk of placenta previa, preterm birth, and bleeding during pregnancy, and a higher chance of cesarean delivery.
Risk varies from person to person. Deep infiltrating disease, involvement of structures like the bowel or bladder, or a history of complex pelvic surgery can make pregnancy planning and delivery decisions more nuanced. Our team can review your history, imaging, and prior operative reports to help clarify your individual risks and coordinate the right level of monitoring and birth planning. Reach out if you’d like to schedule a consultation.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
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Worried About Pregnancy Risks?
Endometriosis can increase certain pregnancy complications, but every case is unique. Our specialists can help you understand your risks and plan for a healthy pregnancy journey.
Questions people ask next
All fertility questionsDoes endometriosis treatment reduce miscarriage risk or mainly aid conception?
Endometriosis treatment, especially complete excision, has the strongest evidence for improving the chances of conceiving; whether it lowers miscarriage risk is less clear. When adenomyosis is also present, optimizing the uterus before pregnancy may be more relevant to miscarriage risk.
Is pregnancy safe with diaphragmatic endometriosis?
In many cases, pregnancy can be safe with diaphragmatic endometriosis, but this depends on disease depth and your history of chest symptoms. Disease extending through the diaphragm or into the chest can be linked to shortness of breath or, rarely, a collapsed lung.
How do autoimmune conditions affect fertility and pregnancy in endometriosis?
Autoimmune conditions can add inflammation that may affect ovulation, implantation, and early pregnancy stability alongside endometriosis. In our experience, outcomes often improve when the condition is identified and well-controlled before trying to conceive.
What red flags are more urgent than endometriosis?
Sudden, severe pain with fever, repeated vomiting, fainting, a rigid abdomen or heavy bleeding is a red flag for something more urgent than endometriosis. Pelvic pain with a positive pregnancy test, chest pain, trouble breathing or a painful swollen leg are also urgent.
Further reading
Adenomyosis, Endometriosis, and Pregnancy: What Patients Need to Know
Explore how adenomyosis affects pregnancy and fertility with endometriosis. Get trusted research insights and advice for your care team.
Endometriosis And Preeclampsia What You Should Know
Learn how endometriosis and adenomyosis may affect preeclampsia risk during pregnancy. Get informed for a healthier journey.
Endometriosis and Miscarriage: What Research Suggests
Learn how endometriosis may affect miscarriage risk, the roles of inflammation, hormones, and surgery, what current studies show, and ways to manage fertility.
