---
title: Managing My Pregnancy While Dealing With Endometriosis and Asthma
date: 2022-11-11T21:36:22-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-managing-my-pregnancy-while-dealing-with-endometriosis-and-asthma"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Managing My Pregnancy While Dealing With Endometriosis and Asthma

CB shares her experience of pregnancy and birth while managing stage four endometriosis and asthma. She discusses being hospitalized and learning that she would have to have a hysterectomy.

## Transcript

**CB:** I had my son almost two months early. I was on bed rest, the entire time.   
  
They said that there's like three categories of women with pregnancy and asthma: a third stays the same—a third, asthma gets worse—a third, asthma gets better.   
  
Mine got worse.   
  
So, it was to the point that I was like 120 milligrams of steroids, prednisone. Taking asthma treatments every four hours. I kept passing out. I had hyperemesis really bad, and this is all during COVID.   
  
So, I had a nurse come into my home with a PICC line in my arm trying to get fluid because I had lost 35 pounds in the beginning of my pregnancy.   
  
So, towards the end of my pregnancy, I only gained two pounds so overall I only gained two pounds.   
  
And now, looking back at it like when I looked at pictures, I was like so flushed I was like really, really, really, really light and my hands look like skeleton bones, and it was just really bad.   
  
And, as my son was trying to grow, I had five boys growing with him, so I had several like hospital stays. I end up being admitted into the hospital long term for almost three months until I had him.   
  
So, during COVID, I was hospitalized like I was a long-term patient in the hospital.   
  
Prior to them admitting me for like the duration of my pregnancy, I had done maybe four or five other hospital stays and make like two or three weeks at a time.   
  
And they were saying that the fibroids were growing, and it was like impacting. Carson’s growth. So, Carson wound up being four pounds and 13 ounces when I had him. Thankfully he didn't have to go to the NICU, we didn't have to stay longer, we were able to go straight home.   
  
But that's kind of like the process that I had getting up to this point. After I had Carson, they say, “Oh, you know you’re supposed to bleed six weeks and then it's supposed to go away,” no.   
  
Carson was almost six months and I was still bleeding after having him so then my doctor was like “I need you to go get another MRI ultrasound done,” and I said okay, fine. And when I went, in the middle of the MRI, the tech said: “Are you in pain?”   
  
And I said yes, and it was just weird that he, like stop because everybody know how MRIs is, especially if you’ve had to get them done.   
  
And I went to my doctor that Monday. He came in and normally he'll be like, “Oh you just go schedule your surgery date with the lady at the desk.” He came in, he gave me dates. He said “April 27, May 9th, or May 10th. You have to get it done now."  
  
So, I had basically two weeks to get pre op stuff done because I had to have a hysterectomy, so I have—so April 27, I had a complete hysterectomy.   
  
And after like they do that, they analyze, they were like, lesions, non-cancerous tumors, and just a lot of things had like overtaken my whole reproductive system.   
  
And I do have a pelvic congestion which is like varicose veins of the pelvis so sometimes I have like really big flare ups, and I do like pelvic floor, because it kind of helps.   
  
And I have nerve damage from being like over the years of just being in so much pain from like my menstrual and endometriosis and the pelvic congestion. So yes, that's my story that's basically in a nutshell, what happened.

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth)
- [BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bipoc-black-indigenous-and-people-of-color)
- [Black / African American](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/black-african-american)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

Share

[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)

##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## A Personal Story on the Dangers of Childbirth

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.

![Pregnancy is not supposed to kill us - Yet I almost died TWICE](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADnklEQVRIiXWWbZLEtg1E34M0dnyA5Aq5/+nscmrY/gGQ0sblKZZGuxrho7vRpP/9938gK3zDN/lf+DP5Y+X3ZAUIgEH+Vf5W/Fr+Wn7kLi+9nA8IBAMLA4GEm/3xdVNywXqeecstF1wgqM4F97t5RTj39/NAhIILPih85AvCLR/5FL/Ip7z1lstOZuku0M6TV7k/Oii8jFjmEwNIdUNy611zc5UldVoYfFiAmmlIuUMAhVAixknbUJST4NK+KU/0fnOgDxAXFKwN1KuDZmowVanXuvDcn1+ewofYTKFLDAXBO+wmNxq1K/1bydOiB+ATPazGJ07lsjIcGHaZ2nHv6qsnzcHkR/SOmyz5ZhMbsnMk3NnvFF5yl7d+yruXNJ/XC8BsqaxkwYrfRPi++xKSQyeKUnrr5/JTs1ow3cS7/KSju5JvcOlWe0i27BfcjIgtvfQq7/JT9UtNHydBbbEFkiz8Jt+lxIKQ9WPcWgP3q3yqode7vC8/Vfc0sQnY5Yd8k1pWpc0hwEkjBGHB7RaGWg3IEFD3aUJfCRJYsZLvUCEVdvmpwUgx3BOdYXKAsguvyXc46JlKJllN9CxSJlmLa88wQaeDPT4DlFdZNZT0tV4SSjSDDEUWKdai4CqI2ToL3GONWvRAWf2nVr2uP1yzx4lISGmHTsgicgViC+vux/Vy4LmO8K3D0A95pDASqKIWHaSKK4dknwRtam6x+5g+20dGdo9xJUPebqL0yqNTG6InOiOoDr4N0uytyiPSV3SJaFGhekRm5Bw3rb0vPTL8p7VL2/+xvU1SNt8N2rR9IKJomR9sjgO3l/G1Cz92dnJtAENJZqcZT2ki7mvm4HHhhU/olnxsazxCahHmnaP9ZpzH9X8QlefF8fdvqIeBXFub73nejO5RPRTaTicN0WG294bePb6vbTDLOEKUvHaEc2CQl9AL48zy3bU3B9l7yDdjaSxSLrLgCiXF9gk3QINKA2lpek0H58cOAaYTDNBrsZz15HAXeWjYM8oMqFFwvOgw3RA1g2tl7fKb81eObuXH/nz03h2IwengATR8ZYVKCtfK0iXLRBLi+GW0SG34D1Bsrwmq97MLjkZ7hLIy73cHvYvlbIwb/hge6cz3AarPnEzMR3ZZSPrwlGuP8VZPzjFnbaYfzl9q6mS3L5+ZJsLr6PdkdY6XLFO4kj4kPhA/p8j9Mt4nypSXcas5GczsZ8na/pH0prJPP+frNVEjGfkLWybr8hcyhvMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-personal-story-on-the-dangers-of-childbirth)

[ResourcesRead

## A Report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT Adults in the US

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.

![48382470241_7c511908e5_c](data:image/png;base64,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)

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-american-indian-and-alaska-native-lgbtqia-adults-in-the-us)

[ResourcesRead

## A Report on Sexual Violence against Indigenous Women in the US

The Maze of Injustice report examines sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States and identifies multiple systemic barriers to justice.

![Dulcey lima indigenous women march unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEWUlEQVRIiV1WS7LkOA4DQGbffzmbvuizCPSCcr6acjAdaZkWBH4g8d///YskMDLAIAd5gEMe0cVUsUpd3dXd/1T9U/UpfaQmG1TCBHbGnvF4ZmbG9iTpJHiv718CCACESIIgSa7D/eXr+deVrwsA9D68HyUJgVyX7MCL8bdhXYMEvn/y591O27m47yKDMAATYmc2YUJGBBsUuADG9XkxHNixYccTJx0vhT8WgDAmAxoEASJm7IxDgQaJBAQYBHBix85M5k2Gx0nakxukJDESxEhIhwmDkMgQJEgMsZgCwYvkwMadfTwnM96r5+Qb7YvhECYSOrq5AUKA7+wA/D7ej7yz58xi2PN/AL5eCWwkhMVEQQmf3OIgco3ibw3Z8GQm53iOz+M545kF8FbPNzuwkSFsWkLaiW7ItcYMBEC3PuzMYM4XY85jnwV4bqXEweRixIxJqxBreyUMdEmIEIkQG0rHkxmck/NkHp+f8RnP9Hl813DrwBgjRixaBQ9ufgQUI6ag4WVAJvBgjJmck3N8fjyP5xnP9DwGNgXOGMeZlwStQn14209AAQUMJYokGDKJjZkL8Dw+j8/PzM9lkDeKyTjHOTcTlFWMEwQVFHCAZoYlmiRuiMYc4wzOYiyJn/GZnuNbRDv745wbJdJqJoqABhsccraGqa0nMMa8dibP5HlyHs+P50z7JAFsn+QkT/I4J7DJ6INdPj/QkAOaNGEmYgjIiF8S8xsrn8fzuGeCIJOc+Eke+yd4DIdbPgI/4IEGMp1VCr5pYQKDAR06HOdMNlbzuD1AEicTz2IkT+CQCYiGBjZjZtUjCoSt2dtsysWAw6sczszuB2+v31abZIIJBQy4s4cBAwEESQgkKZD3DX5l5FdZg05eTcevnsbArV4ISN6PSVKkSJISFVJKHGkHX1Hk3bR6KYa/e9G17dXdte43W/0SJakkSiDtRNnB70USIosXgEL0lRqkACBCiiiySFF7l+q1BSCDJMX6viiqqZJLzeLdIQUWUEQBJjbCTRZZVElSlaq4x4CdbhmwEqulKZ1StapUHyVq6o1CSJNNmMRukmCTH6rXFkBV6i8AaIZIXG5VqVunVZ+qUaJWM4FAhGnSoHcfoQT+Q7XWdu1d6lJrKQmkEyKwUnJrWt01H81U4lYxgflLQqFFmBT0kT5Us5rVl3v/yYBMIgSWS1PqviT6I0DNIoHdam8fgdIyoD5r0o2++iaAXfwCEInf5S/Gp+wC3GokFPekQu6xgQREQR+qVV8Gi6EbKBVx250xXTqlblVXt2wBaolBTCpMcBnwzUFrC05N3fphFUssUSIpJ0j8Jv+UunlaZSXVLDIAmOIy4Nu3FN762e76tRdA2wYIvYNvBa+9ZRpy46PbUAYBSK8uCCqq/oa56vAHwHaxJG3rhE0RCUEGFChgtQukyMJXe0RI3O3+NZA0wK88rc8vEkV8dQxfsYLuoepVzH0k/vB5n77ixvfO3xHxP0w6gidkpzDLAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

The Maze of Injustice report examines sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States and identifies multiple systemic barriers to justice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-sexual-violence-against-indigenous-women-in-the-us)

[ResourcesRead

## A Trauma-Informed Response To Racial Injustice

How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice.

![Duncan shaffer lo Pr MM Xp IIA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-trauma-informed-response-to-racial-injustice)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Deciding Where to Give Birth

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.

![My Story- Deciding Where to Give Birth](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-deciding-where-to-give-birth)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.

![My Story- Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-cultivating-confidence-during-pregnancy)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## If I Had Listened to Abortion Protesters, Things Would Be Different

A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.

![abortiontshirt](data:image/png;base64,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)

A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/if-i-had-listened-to-abortion-protesters)

[ResourcesRead

## The Social Determinants of Health in Breast Cancer Care

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.

![African American mother covering face while sitting by unpaid bills, children playing behind her at home.](data:image/png;base64,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)

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/social-determinants-breast-cancer-care)