BECOMING PREGNANT WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS - DIFFICULT FIRST TRIMESTER | placenta previa / pain | ENDOEMMM

Trigger warning: pregnancy

Feeling extremely blessed and thankful for my body these past few weeks. It’s been a long journey to get to this stage, and there were moments in my past where I thought that I wouldn’t have the chance to be a momma. One memory that rings clear was when a doctor outlined that “motherhood may not be a chapter in your book” after pelvic imaging.

My experience living with endometriosis while being pregnant has been anything but smooth (and a lot of my recent health updates have been triggered by this new chapter).*Turns out, not having your usual medication to help balance things out can do a number on my body while pregnant*

The first trimester was difficult, excruciatingly painful at times, and confusing - but this little one, my loving partner, and my stellar support network have made the experience less lonely. A common misconception is that pregnancy cures endometriosis. This isn’t the case - and has proven the complete opposite in my journey. Becoming pregnant has heightened my endo symptoms.

In this moment, I am feeling extremely blessed to have this experience and I cannot wait to meet this STRONG little one. We’ve been through a lot together already, and I already know that they are going to be an incredible being. They’ve held on in difficult moments and have shown their determination to meet face to face later this year.

In the same breath, I am sending love to those who are experiencing pain during their pregnancy, those who have experienced loss, those who are on their unique conception journey, those who are advocating for reproductive rights, those who are waiting for answers, those who are asked about children but are not wanting them, and those who find this news difficult. I am thinking of you and I have you in my heart these days ❤️🌸

the first trimester was extremely painful and difficult on my body. I had many sleepless nights with waves of excruciating pain. I was in and out of the Ottawa hospital twice with abdominal pain that just wouldn’t quit (it was more excruciating than endo pain which had me extremely concerned). Nights were spent in the bathroom for 3-4 hours dealing with sharp cramps that almost had me passing out. The mornings would come and the pain wouldn’t be there anymore, but I would be exhausted from the evening prior. I held a lot of stress those weeks because I was scared of what the evenings would bring.

I went to Scarborough General’s Early Pregnancy Assessment Centre at week 5 to be monitored for early pregnancy complications. I’m thankful for those nurses and OBGYN’s for the work that they do daily.

We ruled out ectopic and other concerns. It turns out that endo was the culprit for a lot of the new found pregnancy pain. Hormone changes and slight expansion of the uterus had my endo tissue in a frenzy.

I was also diagnosed with placenta previa and had a small subchorionic hemorrhage at the beginning that caused scary bleeding.

I’m now in my second trimester and I’m proud to say that the pain is gone. I only deal with morning sickness and headaches - with raging cravings for crackers and anything plain 🥯! The smell of chicken is also a no-go for me these days 🤢

A big shoutout to my love for being there every step of the way. I’m truly so thankful to have him by my side through those moments ❤️

I share this because I know how hard it can be to hear that “pregnancy cures endometriosis.” It doesn’t - and my first few months proved that endo didn’t want to be forgotten with these new changes. Everyone’s body is different and you’re not alone in your pregnancy if you’re going through the same. It can be scary and daunting to know what to do - but I’m extremely proud of you for doing what you can to look after your health first. I’m here with you - through the thick and thin.