Sometimes the acidic stomach contents flows backwards into the esophagus where it cause severe irritation of the delicate inner lining of the esophagus. This acid reflux is felt as a burning chest pain known as heartburn. It is usually acute and can be easily treated and may then never occur again. However, sometimes there is ongoing reflux irrespective of the usual trigger factors. Acid reflux is more correctly known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), although the latter term is usually used to refer to the more chronic state.

 Causes of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is the main cause of heartburn but the burning chest pain can sometimes be related to other causes that may not involve the gastrointestinal tract. Heartburn and cardiac pain are often mistaken for one another and it is not uncommon for a person with severe heartburn to present at the emergency room believing that they are having a heart attack. While this is not common in youngerwomen, the risks is nevertheless present and more so in older women and those with a history of heart disease.

Most cases of acid reflux in pregnancy are acute – it arises in pregnancy and resolves soon after childbirth. However, women with a history of reflux, even prior to pregnancy, are likely to experience an exacerbation during pregnancy with the condition persisting after childbirth unless suitable treatment is initiated. Acid reflux is largely due to a dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter but may also occur with delayed gastric emptying and increased intra-abdominal pressure. In pregnant, the expanding uterus increases the intra-abdominal pressure, pushes against the stomach and the higher than normal levels of female hormones affects normal upper gastrointestinal motility and the functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter.

The condition is more likely to be worse after eating a heavy meal, when lying down or with the intake of alcohol or cigarette smoking, both of which should be stopped during pregnancy. It may also be exacerbated by strenuous physical activity, bending over and with emotional upset.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux and not a disease on its own. Other signs and symptoms may be present including :

• Nausea
• Regurgitation
• Upper middle abdominal pain
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Sore throat particularly in the morning that eases during the course of the day.

Sometimes reflux is asymptomatic and is then referred to as silent reflux disease.

Medication for Reflux in Pregnancy

Reflux, like any disease or symptom in pregnancy, should be managed conservatively as far as possible. Dietary change and avoiding trigger factors are the first step that a pregnant women should undertake. Sleeping slightly elevated and avoiding eating for at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime should also be considered. Never use any antireflux medication without first consulting with a medical practitioner. Some of these medication may have adverse effects in pregnancy. Antacids, sucralfates and H2-antagonists can be used during pregnancy. While proton pump inhibitors may be used, it should utilized cautiously or avoided altogether as with H2-antagonists in the first trimester of pregnancy.

]]> http://www.phaa.com/acid-reflux-gerd-and-heartburn-in-pregnancy.htm/feed 0 http://www.phaa.com/pregnancy-facial-pigmentation-light-to-dark-brown-patches.htm http://www.phaa.com/pregnancy-facial-pigmentation-light-to-dark-brown-patches.htm#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:13:08 +0000 Dr. Chris http://www.phaa.com/?p=688 There are many skin conditions that either start during pregnancy or is exacerbated in the pregnant state. The more common conditions include acne, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and eczema. Facial hyperpigmentation that is not associated with itching or other changes of the skin and arises more often with pregnancy is known as melasma (previously referred to as chloasma). This condition has afflicted women for ages and used to be known as the veil or mask of pregnancy. It is more likely to be prominent on the sun-exposed areas of the skin.

Causes of Melasma

Melasma does not only occur in pregnancy but is more common in altered hormonal states such as pregnancy, or with the use or oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopause. It can affect men but 90% of the cases occur in women. The exact mechanism for the development of melasma is still not fully understood. It appears that photo-aging as a result of sunlight exposure is a major factor and this may also be associated with estrogen sensitivity of these cells. The concentration of the natural skin pigmentation, melanin, is increased along with the number of melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) containing more melanosomes than normal. Other risk factors for melasma include :

• Darker-skinned individuals.
• Living in areas of intense sun exposure.
• Family history particularly a first-degree relative like a parent, sibling or child.
• Certain cosmetics particularly fragranced skin applications.
• Skin disorders and growths like moles.

Melasma may also be associated with unknown causes and risks (idiopathic).

Signs and Symptoms

Melasma may occur in three different patterns – centrofacial (in the centre of the face), malar (on the cheeks) or mandibular (along the jaw). The patches of hyperpigmentation are irregularly shaped but occur on both sides of the face. Melasma is classified into three types whether the pigmentation occurs in the superficial or deep layers of the skin or in both. Typically darker brown patches lie more superficially in the epidermis while lighter brown patches occur deeper in the dermis. Mixed types of pigmentation are a combination of dark and light brown patches affecting both the epidermis and dermis. Melasma does not present with any itching although patients may report some tingling or burning when exposed to intense sunlight.

Treatment of Melasma

Melasma is diagnosed based on the physical presentation. A Wood’s lamp will help to differentiate between epidermal, dermal and mixed  types of melasma. Hydroquinone, tretinoin and azelaic acid are the main topical applications used in the treatment of melasma. These applications are used on its own or sometimes combined along with other agents like fluocinolone acetonide. Corticosteroids are less frequently used these days. Laser therapy and chemical peels may be effective to varying degrees. However, the greatest difficulty lies with sun exposure which aggravates the condition. Although sun exposure cannot be totally avoided, patients on treatment should try to minimize sun exposure. While sunscreens with a high protective factor may be helpful, it does not preclude the need to avoid the sun. Results may vary – epidermal pigmentation responds better to treatment than mixed or dermal types.

Health Before Pregnancy

There are many aspects of one’s health that needs to be taken into consideration before falling pregnant. Any chronic conditions should be properly treated and appropriately managed. If using chronic medication then it is important to discuss with your doctor whether this medication is suitable during pregnancy or any other alternative measures that may need to be taken. NEVER stop taking prescribed medication without seeking advice from your doctor.

Conditions such as diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure are common ailments and have a significant impact on pregnancy. Both conditions are largely silent for months or even years and therefore remain undiagnosed for long periods of time. Screening for diabetes and hypertension as well as other conditions prior to conception, despite the lack of symptoms, is an important part of preconception checkups. Identifying these conditions at the outset will allow your doctor to differentiate between the chronic forms and gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension.

Health extends beyond the absence of any identifiable disease, whether acute or chronic. The prevalence of obesity in this day and age is also a health consideration for women planning to conceive. It has a host of implications for conceiving and may lead to several complications during pregnancy. Weight management, either loss or gain, to attain as close as normal a BMI (body mass index) is essential and is not an overnight endeavor. Therefore planning a pregnancy and taking the necessary health measures should be commenced at least 6 months prior to conception.

Falling Pregnant

It may take up to 6 months of regular intercourse to fall pregnant and therefore couples who are trying to conceive should not be concerned if pregnancy does not occur immediately. However, should conception not occur after 6 months of trying, it is advisable to consult with a gynecologist for further evaluation.

It is important to focus sexual activity around the time of ovulation – when the ovary releases an egg cell into the fallopian tube. Ovulation occurs between 12 to 16 days prior to menstruation and women with irregular cycles can ovulate more than once in a month but this is difficult to predict. Signs and symptoms like a thicker vaginal discharge and ovulation discomfort/pain (Mittelschmerz) may be an indicator of ovulation.

It is important to bear in mind that the egg cell (ovum) may only survive for as short a time period as 12 to 24 hours. If fertilized, implantation will occur within 6 to 12 days after ovulation. Pregnancy may therefore not be detectable immediately after fertilization. Stress, illness and other health and lifestyle factors may all affect ovulation, fertilization or implantation and should therefore be kept to a minimum.

]]> http://www.phaa.com/planning-for-pregnancy-preconception-pre-pregnancy-advice.htm/feed 0 http://www.phaa.com/low-pregnant-belly-carrying-baby-low-in-pregnancy.htm http://www.phaa.com/low-pregnant-belly-carrying-baby-low-in-pregnancy.htm#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:50:54 +0000 Dr. Chris http://www.phaa.com/?p=660 Pregnant women, especially first time mothers, have many concerns relating to pregnancy and rightfully so. Pregnancy is a delicate period in a women’s life and utmost care should be taken. Education about the facts of pregnancy from diet to lifestyle and signs of impending danger are important in maintaining a healthy pregnancy and giving birth to a healthy baby. One of the many concerns is whether carrying the baby low is a indicative of any problem in pregnancy or not. Another common query is whether a low pregnant belly is an indication of the baby’s gender.

Causes of Carrying Baby Low

Carrying a baby low is neither the sign of a problem in pregnancy nor is it an indication of the baby’s gender. There are numerous factors that play a role in whether the baby is carried higher or lower than what one would expect. Most importantly though it is about expectation and preconceived ideas – pregnant women should not define the norm based on what others say or on the similarities or differences from other pregnant women around them.

Some of the reasons why a woman carries a baby low is due to her body shape and musculature. Better developed abdominal muscles make for a firmer tummy and this can determine how low the pregnant belly will sit. The muscles and supporting ligaments in and around the uterus also play a role and after the first pregnancy some women may find that the belly sits lower in subsequent pregnancies. Stretched muscles may not only be seen after subsequent pregnancies but also with a reduced level of fitness.

A heavier baby will also contribute to a lower lying pregnant belly as would multiple births (twins, triplets and so on). This is an important factor to bear in mind when listening to mothers who went through pregnancies decades prior. In the 70s and 80s the average birth weight was about 20% less than today. The rise in birth weight means that the baby will be carried lower than women did in yesteryear. At the same time, memory is often unreliable after so many years.

Lastly, a low sitting belly may be a sign of impending labor. The pressure in the abdomen lessens (known as the lightening) and the pressure in the pelvis rises. Other signs and symptoms indicative of impending labor may also be present like more frequent Braxton Hick’s contractions. This does not, however, indicate impending labor in the short term, but occurs as a preparation for labor in a few weeks. If the “drop” occurs too early in pregnancy along with other symptoms of labor then it may be a preterm delivery and extra care for both mother and baby is necessary.

Complications of a Low Pregnant Belly

A low pregnant belly does not indicate any danger or problems in pregnancy. However, carrying the baby low can exacerbate lower back pain which is common in pregnancy. The change in the center of gravity differs to the shift seen in carrying the baby higher. Arching the back is one way that pregnant women compensate for this shift but this may need to be more pronounced in order to “pull” against the lower lying belly. Furthermore, where the low lying pregnant belly is associated with a larger and therefore heavier baby, the strain on the back is compounded even further.

Should a pregnant woman diet during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should not diet to minimize weight gain during pregnancy unless the degree of weight gain is significantly high. After years of creating awareness about the dangers of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the focus is now on educating pregnant women about the benefits of breastfeeding and risks of dieting during pregnancy. Both growing practices share a common root – the desire to maintain a pre-pregnancy shape or avoid weight gain. Many women are aware that the price for this is the health and development of their child but are willing to undertake these practices. For others, it is a combination of ignorance and being misinformed by supposed experts in the field.

What are the effects of dieting during pregnancy

The effects of dieting depends on the type of dietary change. Calorie-restricted diets are by far the most common and can lead to a host of deficiencies in the mother that may also affect development of the fetus. Depending on the extent of the dietary change, a pregnant woman may experience severe fatigue, sleepiness, fluid retention which can cause swelling of the limbs and abdomen, shortness of breath and pallor (paleness) associated with iron-deficiency anemia. These are just some of the effects of dieting during pregnancy. For the fetus, the impact is more severe and can contribute to low birth weight and neural tube defects with studies suggesting that there may be long term effects associated with cardiovascular disease and complications in early childhood development.

When is dieting acceptable in pregnancy?

It is important to differentiate between dieting for weight loss and healthy eating for the benefit of both the mother and child. Overeating during pregnancy and only consuming certain foods within limited food groups can be equally detrimental to the fetus. Weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable and essential for normal fetal development. However, it should be limited according to the body mass index (BMI) of the mother prior to pregnancy as outlined in this article on pregnancy weight gain. Both exercise and moderate control of calorie intake may be necessary to avoid the complications of excessive weight gain in pregnancy, both to the mother and child.

Pregnant women who are diabetics and women who develop gestational diabetes are advised to follow an appropriate eating plan as approved by the supervising physician and a dietitian. This is largely a low glycemic index (GI) diet although the calories may not be significantly restricted. Women with severe hypertension associated with fluid retention and in cases of pre-eclampsia, a low salt eating plan may also be advised. The alterations in eating habits and meal plans should not confused with dieting during pregnancy to prevent weight gain.

The fear of gaining excessive weight during pregnancy is not entirely unfounded. However, dietary modification should only be contemplated once the weight gain is approaching unacceptable levels and only with the approval of a medical doctor and supervision of a registered dietitian. Exercise that is appropriate for different stages of pregnancy may be a better option for minimizing excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

Types of Hypertension

Essential hypertension is the most common type of high blood pressure. It occurs for no known reason and may arise irrespective of pregnancy. It is a chronic type of hypertension that tends to get worse over time although lifestyle modification and medication can control it to some extent. In some instances it can arise during pregnancy although it is most likely not due to the pregnant state. It tends to continue after delivery and is defined by its persistence 6 weeks after delivery.

Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that arises in pregnancy due to the pregnant state. The blood pressure tends to return to normal after childbirth but there is an increased risk of developing essential hypertension later in life. Gestational hypertension needs to be approached with caution as it may be a sign of pre-eclampsia – a potentially fatal condition in pregnancy. Therefore every case of gestational hypertension even in the absence of other signs is considered as pre-eclampsia until proven otherwise.

Pre-eclampsia, previously known as toxemia of pregnancy, is a dangerous condition that arises in pregnant women for no known reason. There are number of risk factors associated with pre-eclampsia including obesity, first pregnancy, family history of pre-eclampsia, multiple pregnancy and diabetes. However, even women without these risk factors may develop pre-eclampsia. Other typical signs and symptoms include swelling of the face and hands and protein in the urine. There may also be changes in vision, severe headaches, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and dizziness.

Treatment of Hypertension in Pregnancy

The treatment options depend on the type of hypertension and severity of the condition. While starting medication for hypertension during pregnancy is avoided as far as possible, if necessary it may be prescribed. Women who have pre-existing hypertension and are on anti-hypertensive medication should not stop drug therapy once they fall pregnant without consulting with a doctor. Bed rest, dietary modification like a low sodium diet and even weight control may all help with minimizing hypertension.

In pre-eclampsia, an early delivery is necessary even if this means giving birth to a pre-term baby. This is the only cure for pre-eclampsia which if left untreated can be life-threatening to both mother and the unborn child. However, if pre-eclampsia occurs very early in pregnancy where delivery is not a viable option as yet then close monitoring is essential. Drug therapy may also be commenced. In severe cases, however, labor may be induced or a Cesarean section conducted despite the baby’s gestational age.

Constipation During Pregnancy

Constipation is defined simply as three or less bowel movements in a week with the passage of hard stools, straining during defecation and a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying after a movement. Not all women who are constipated will have every feature mentioned above and often constipation to the individual is seen as any reduction in frequency of bowel movement from the normal state.

Although constipation is the more common type of bowel irregularity in pregnancy, some woman may even experience diarrhea or periods of constipation interspersed with diarrhea. It is also not uncommon for women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to experience an exacerbation of their condition. As a general guideline, a women who experiences a change in bowel movement during pregnancy, even a minor change, should seek medical advice if this is causing discomfort.

Causes of Constipation in Pregnancy

Constipation is a symptom, not a disease, that is associated with slower bowel activity, reduced water and fiber intake or abnormal contraction of the anal sphincters. The causes of constipation in woman who are not pregnant is not significantly different from that in a pregnant woman. However, the changes in the hormone levels in pregnancy and the growing uterus may contribute to constipation to a greater extent than in non-pregnant women.  Certain nutritional supplements used in higher doses during pregnancy may also contribute to constipation. Lack of physical activity is another factor that is more prominent in the later stages of pregnancy.

Treatment and Remedies

Simple dietary changes are often effective in most cases, if not for totally resolving the constipation, then at least for providing significant relief. Increasing water intake and eating high fiber foods including fruits and vegetables  is usually sufficient. Although the amount of physical activity may be reduced with pregnancy, walking and swimming are two activities that do not put significant strain on the back and joints and is still effective.

Medication should be avoided as far as possible. Laxatives can be used but should only be considered after consulting with a doctor. Certain laxatives, including herbal laxatives, can cause contractions and should be avoided as far as possible. Reduce the intake of aluminimum-containing antacids for heartburn as these often cause or aggravate constipation. Any other medication that has been prescribed by a doctor should not be discontinued without first seeking medical advice.

A teen pregnancy may occur due to :

• Unplanned sexual intercourse.
• Coerced sex.
• Rape.
• Sexual intercourse without the use of contraception.

Some teen pregnancies are intentional. Child marriages are fairly common in developing countries but early marriages occur in the developed countries too. This obviously leads to increased chance of pregnancy while the woman is still in her teens.

A teen pregnancy is more likely to occur in case of :

• Low socioeconomic status.
• Poor family support.
• Younger age group.
• Poor performance in school.
• Low maternal education.

Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

The signs and symptoms in a teen pregnancy does not differ from those in a pregnant adult woman. This includes :

• Missed period.
• Nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness.
• Abdominal distention.
• The uterus may be felt on abdominal examination.
• Breast changes, including heaviness and enlargement.
• Tiredness.
• Frequency of urination.
• Weight gain or loss.

Pregnancy may be confirmed by a urine pregnancy test or a serum hCG test. Ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis and indicate the duration of pregnancy.

Dangers of Teenage Pregnancy

Various complications during pregnancy and delivery are more likely, which may harm both mother and baby, even causing death of either.

Dangers to Mother

• Preterm delivery.
• Placenta previa.
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension.
• Preeclampsia.
• Anemia.
• Postpartum hemorrhage.
• Emotional issues which may lead to postpartum depression.

Dangers to Baby

• Prematurity.
• Low birth weight.
• Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).
• Stillbirths.
• Newborn deaths.

Management of Teen Pregnancy

After a pregnancy is confirmed, a teenager may have several options. She may wish to abort the child, or go for delivery and bringing up the child, or she may prefer to put the baby up for adoption. Circumstances will decide individual decisions. Proper guidance and understanding may help her in this situation.

If the pregnancy is to be continued, the primary concern should be to provide adequate prenatal care to the pregnant teen. Most teens do not receive proper prenatal care because they try to hide the pregnancy out of shame and confusion, and receive little support from her family or the father of the baby.

Pregnant teens need to be especially counseled about the risks of smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse during pregnancy. The need for adequate nutrition, sleep, and exercise should be stressed. After delivery of the baby, advice regarding contraception should be provided. The teen should be encouraged to continue school. Advice regarding child care is essential.

Any pregnancy exceeding 42 completed weeks from the last menstrual period (LMP) is known as a prolonged pregnancy or post-term pregnancy. Without proper management, postmaturity carries risk of perinatal mortality, which includes stillbirth and death of the baby due to problems during delivery. Accurate assessment of gestational age is important to prevent misdiagnosis. First trimester ultrasound may be a better way of assessing duration of pregnancy rather than LMP. Recurrence is possible in subsequent pregnancies.

Risk Factors for Prolonged Pregnancy

• Primigravida or first pregnancy.
• Previous post-term pregnancy.
• Genetic factors.
• Male baby.
• Obesity.
• Anencephaly – a neural tube defect where there is an absence of a large part of the brain and skull.

Risks Associated with Prolonged Pregnancy

• Placental insufficiency – reduced placental function may lead to fetal hypoxia as a result of reduced oxygen supply and nutrients to the fetus.
• Postmature newborns are prone to developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Problems during labor due to large baby (macrosomia).
• Meconium aspiration. Meconium is a thick greenish substance, which is the newborn’s first stool. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid may be aspirated or inhaled by the baby before or during labor and delivery, leading to various pulmonary problems.
• Fetal distress.
• Stillbirths.
• Birth injuries.
• Seizures in newborns.
• Mental retardation.
• Newborn deaths.
• Maternal complications such as arrested labor and difficult birth.
• Increased incidence of cesarean sections.

Signs of Postmaturity

A baby born after 42 weeks of pregnancy may show signs of postmaturity such as :

• Weight loss.
• Dry, cracked, peeling loose skin.
• Decreased subcutaneous fat.
• Parchment-like skin.
• Meconium-stained skin, membranes, nails and umbilical cord.

This condition is known as dysmaturity.

Signs of postmaturity before delivery may be

• Decreased fetal movement.
• Loss of fetal movement.
• Less amount of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios).
• Reduced size of uterus.
• Meconium-stained liquor.

Management of Postmaturity

Since continuation of pregnancy beyond 41 weeks may increase the risk of adverse outcomes for mother and baby, many authorities recommend that induction of labor should be started from 41+ weeks. Delivery should not be delayed in any pregnancy beyond 42 weeks, bearing in mind that risk to the baby in allowing the pregnancy to continue is far greater than the risks associated with induced labor.

To evaluate the risk posed to the fetus, the following steps may be followed in pregnancies beyond 41 weeks of gestation :

• Confirmation of duration of pregnancy by reviewing the LMP, records of earlier examinations, early pregnancy tests, and the first trimester ultrasound reports.
• Sonographic evaluation of amniotic fluid volume at least twice a week – oligohydramnios is a frequent finding.
• Twice-weekly cardiotocography (CTG) – the baby’s heart rate and the mother’s contractions are monitored by ultrasound.
• Biweekly non-stress tests (NSTs) or contraction stress tests (CSTs).
• Having the mother count the number of fetal movements each day.

An abnormal NST or CST, oligohydramnios, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, or decreased fetal movement are indications for prompt delivery. A large or compromised baby may be delivered by cesarean section. If there is no cephalopelvic disproportion (the baby’s head or body is too large to pass through the mother’s pelvis during delivery) or fetal distress, induction of labor may be attempted, with continuous fetal monitoring.

Causes of Poylcystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

The exact cause of PCOS is not known but a hormonal imbalance is the basic problem encountered in a woman suffering from this disease. This can lead to anovulation (lack of ovulation) or irregular ovulation, scanty or irregular periods, and cysts within the ovaries.

Infertility resulting from ovulation problems can occur due to :

• Abnormally high levels of androgen (male hormone).
• Low follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
• Insulin resistance.

Falling Pregnant with PCOS

Infertility is a common problem in women with PCOS but pregnancy is still a possibility and women should not lose hope. Many women with PCOS do not know they have this condition until they undergo investigations for infertility. There are various treatment options for infertility and this must be with a gynecologist. Failure of one therapeutic measure to achieve the desired result does not mean that a woman will not fall pregnant.

Fertility medications such as clomiphene citrate or gonadotropin injections may help to stimulate ovulation and increase chances of pregnancy. Clomiphene citrate can achieve ovulation in a large number of cases and can result in a successful pregnancy within a few months. However, one of the main side effects of this drug is having a multiple pregnancy. If positive results are not achieved within 6 months, gonadotropin injections to stimulate the ovaries may be tried.

Other options

• An alternative to ovarian stimulation is ovarian drilling or laparoscopic ovarian diathermy (LOD). Small holes are drilled into the ovary by means of a hot diathermy probe or laser.
• Drugs used to treat diabetes, such as metformin, may help to increase the response to fertility drugs.
• IVF may be tried to achieve pregnancy.
• Losing excess weight with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise may be helpful.

Causes of Endometriosis

Just as with PCOS, the cause of endometriosis is not clearly understood. Tissues from the endometrial lining of the uterus get implanted in some site other than the uterus, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, abdomen or other abnormal sites and give rise to various symptoms.

Although a many women with endometriosis have no problems with conceiving, the chances of endometriosis causing infertility are relatively high. Infertility may be caused by anatomic factors such as adhesions and scarring caused by endometrial tissues in the pelvis, or hormonal factors which hinder ovulation, fertilization or implantation of the fertilized ovum. Pain during intercourse caused by endometriosis may restrict the act and be a factor in reducing chances of pregnancy.

Falling Pregnant with Endometriosis

Women with mild or moderate endometriosis have a fairly good chance of conceiving, even without any specific treatment. Infertility is more likely to occur in women who have severe endometriosis.

There are various treatment options available for endometriosis which may increase chances of conception. Surgical treatment often gives better results than hormonal or other medical treatments when the aim of treatment is to achieve pregnancy. Assisted reproduction techniques such as intrauterine insemination or in-vitro fertilization (IVF) may provide better results when combined with surgical treatment. Surgery aims to remove any endometrial tissue or adhesions, as well as repair any damage done to organs. Laparoscopic surgery is the method of choice in most cases.

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