How Does PCOS Affect Pregnancy?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with is known as PCOS, is a hormonal disorder found in 1 to 10 women of childbearing age. It is a condition that causes hormonal imbalances, resulting in a variety of symptoms, including irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain.

For women who want to conceive, PCOS can be particularly challenging. So, here is what you must know about how PCOS can affect pregnancy.

• Infertility

One of the most common effects of PCOS is infertility. Women with PCOS often have trouble ovulating, which can make it difficult to conceive. If you are attempting to get pregnant and have been diagnosed with PCOS, talk to your doctor about fertility treatments that may help.

• Increased Risk of Miscarriage

Women with PCOS are at a more increased risk of miscarriage, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. This risk can be further increased if you also have other underlying conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. If you are pregnant and have PCOS, it is necessary to work closely with your doctor to monitor your health and reduce your risk of complications.

• Gestational Diabetes

Women suffering from PCOS are at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes evolves during pregnancy and can lead to health problems for both the mother and baby. If you have PCOS and are expecting, it is necessary to work closely with your doctor to monitor your blood sugar levels and manage your risk of developing gestational diabetes. 

• Preterm Birth

Women suffering from PCOS are at a higher risk of preterm birth, which is when an infant is born before the 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm birth can lead to a range of health issues for the baby, including developmental delays, breathing difficulties, and infections. If you are pregnant and have PCOS, it is essential to visit your doctor to manage your condition and reduce your risk of preterm birth.

• C-Section Delivery

Women with PCOS are also at a higher risk of delivering their babies via C-section. This is often due to the increased risk of complications during pregnancy, for instance gestational diabetes and preterm birth. So, if you have PCOS and are expecting, it is important to discuss your delivery options with your doctor and plan accordingly.

In short, PCOS can make it more challenging to become pregnant and carry a healthy baby to term. However, with proper medical care and direction, many women with PCOS are able to have successful pregnancies. If you have PCOS and are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about your options and how to manage your condition during pregnancy.

Can PCOS Be Treated? 

As a matter of fact, there is currently no cure for PCOS, whereas the symptoms can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments. The goals of treatment are to regulate menstrual cycles, manage symptoms such as acne and excessive hair growth, and improve fertility. A healthy lifestyle change such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and weight loss can help to improve PCOS symptoms. In some cases, losing even a small amount of weight can help to regulate menstrual cycles and improve fertility. Medical treatments for PCOS may include hormonal birth control pills to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce acne and excessive hair growth, medications such as metformin to improve insulin resistance and lower the risk of developing diabetes, and fertility treatments such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole to induce ovulation in women who are trying to conceive. 

If you are diagnosed with PCOS, it is essential to visit your doctor to put forth a personalized treatment that will address your specific symptoms and concerns. With proper management, many women with PCOS are able to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.