Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal imbalance that affects women of reproductive age. Pregnancy with PCOS can be difficult at times. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), more than 116 million females, which is approximately 3.4 of the population, are affected by PCOS worldwide.
Does PCOS Affect Pregnancy?
The most serious complication related to a woman suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome is pregnancy issues or difficulty in getting pregnant. PCOS problems in pregnancy vary from one woman to another. Some of them may face a tough time during puberty, periods, or while planning to conceive.
A woman trying to conceive may have to overcome several challenges to achieve a healthy pregnancy with PCOS. However, It is not impossible to get pregnant while having PCOS. Several effective fertility treatments are available, from Gonadotropins to Clomid to IVF (in vitro fertilization).
How To Get Pregnant With PCOS?
Pregnancy with PCOS might be challenging, but there are several treatments available to improve your chances to conceive. Here are some of the tips to get pregnant with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Weight Management:
Healthy weight management is not only essential for PCOS patients but for everyone. You can exercise and do yoga postures during your hectic schedule. Managing a healthy weight can also help you deal with pregnancy issues.
Healthy Eating Habits:
Eating healthy and taking the right amount of nutrients is important if you are trying to conceive. Switch out simple carbs, sugary foods, and unhealthy fats for an even healthier choice during pregnancy with PCOS.
Healthy eating habit can help you deal with pregnancy issues, these issues includes:
- Fresh and cooked vegetables and fruits
- Lentils and beans
- Fish and chicken
- Whole grains like barley, brown rice, and oats
Several minerals and vitamins are also important for a healthy pregnancy and a baby. Supplements that can help you get pregnant are:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
- Coenzyme Q10
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- B12 Vitamin
- Vitamin E
Medications:
If you are suffering from PCOS, your body might make more of both the female hormone estrogen and the male hormone testosterone. Too little or too much of these hormones can make it challenging to get pregnant. There are several medications to help you in pregnancy with PCOS:
- Metformin (balance insulin levels)
- Clomid or clomiphene citrate (balance estrogen levels)
- Birth control pills (to balance testosterone and estrogen levels)
- Fertility medications (to help the ovaries send out more eggs)
Additional Tips To Get Pregnant With PCOS
- De-stress: A balanced hormone and nurtured adrenals play an important role in your fertility. However, cortisol, the stress hormone your adrenal glands produce, affects your whole hormonal process. So, by preventing or actively reducing any stress, you can increase your chances of conceiving healthily.
- Fertility Help: You can also go for IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatment to help you conceive with PCOS. Your doctor will give you a checkup that may include more ultrasound scans, blood tests, and a physical exam.
Balance High Blood Sugar
PCOS sometimes leads to type 2 diabetes or high blood sugar levels. This may cause problems for you to get pregnant with pcos. Thus, it is important to balance the blood sugar levels.
Your doctor will check your sugar levels with various tests, including:
- Overnight fasting blood sugar test
- Random blood sugar test
- Hemoglobin A1C test (for checking the sugar levels for the last 2-3 months)
- Oral Glucose tolerance tests (after drinking a sugary drink or fasting)
Surgical Options
There are surgical options also available for women who are trying to get pregnant. One is “Ovarian Drilling,” a treatment to trigger ovulation. However, this procedure is not always necessary. According to research, up to 50% of women who get this surgery are able to conceive within the first year after the surgery.
What are the Symptoms of Pregnancy with PCOS
If you’re in your journey of pregnancy with PCOS, identifying early signs can be challenging due to irregular menstrual cycles. While a positive pregnancy test remains the most reliable confirmation, there are mild pregnancy with PCOS symptoms that may hint at your body undergoing a significant change.
- Feeling Low and unusual Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or dizzy, even during easy or mild tasks, can be an early sign of pregnancy. Rising levels of progesterone levels in pregnant women can lead to continuous tiredness and feeling sleepy.
- Breast Changes: If you are during your pregnancy with PCOS, your breast may show some changes like swelling, tenderness, and tingling sensations. These changes are often normal during pregnancy because of hormonal changes. But, if this remains even after a few weeks, it can be a symptom of PCOS.
- Indigestion and Sensitivity to Smells: Constant nausea and increased sensitivity in smelling can be early signs of pregnancy with PCOS. Difficulty in digesting food can also be a symptom of PCOS during pregnancy.
- Tracking Temperature: PCOS during pregnancy can lead to hormonal imbalance which can lead to rise in temperature and at your body temperature can also fluctuate.
- Stomach Bloating or Back Pain: Bloating and back pain is normal during pregnancy but if you’re experiencing it continuously, it may be a symptom of PCOS.
What Precautions To Take During Pregnancy With PCOS?
Pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome should exercise regularly and keep their weight and blood sugar levels managed. Also, eating protein-rich foods and effective minerals can help to stabilize high blood sugar levels.
Additionally, it is important to have a healthy diet consisting of whole grains, high fiber, and reduced carbs. Also, try to avoid caffeine, alcoholic beverages, and nicotine. Regularly checking your blood pressure, medical checkups, and taking prenatal vitamins will help you to ensure a safe pregnancy with PCOS.
To Sum Up:
Pregnancy with PCOS is not impossible, you just have to keep certain things in mind, like maintaining a healthy weight, balancing blood sugar levels, and changing lifestyle habits. You may need to have some treatments done in order to get pregnant. But regardless of what surgeries or treatments you explore, don’t just lose hope. Follow the above-mentioned tips, if you experience pregnancy with PCOS Symptoms and consult your doctor for healthy deliveries.
Also Read About: Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
