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PCOS And Pregnancy: What Are The Risks?

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common hormone disorders in women. It roughly affects 15% of women who are in the reproductive age. For these women, getting pregnant with PCOS can be a challenge. While this is hard, the good news is that it can be treated. There are also some risks associated with PCOS for both the mother and baby. Therefore, it is crucial to stay aware of everything you need to know about polycystic ovaries and pregnancy so that you have less to worry about.

Book an online appointment with Dr. Vaishnavi Madhavan for Pregnancy & Gynecology related issues.

Causes of PCOS

While there isn't a single reason that can be narrowed down causing PCOS, there are multiple factors that have been associated with the condition. They are:

  • Genetic Reasons: It is estimated that PCOS mostly runs in families. If a mom has PCOS, there is a high chance that the daughter may have the same condition, or it increases the probability of the daughter having PCOS. Therefore, genetics play a huge role in leading to PCOS in many women.
  • Obesity: This is a bit of a double-edged sword. While women who have PCOS are obese, it is not yet determined whether PCOS leads to excess weight gain or excess weight gain leads to PCOS. Regardless, it is always a good idea to shed those extra pounds and eat a good diet.
  • Poor Lifestyle: Poor diet, increased stress levels, physical inactivity, and poor mental health can contribute to PCOS.

Know More : Pregnancy with Ovarian Cyst

Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS happens in most women after they attain puberty. In some cases, they may occur later. Some of the common symptoms of PCOS include:

  • Irregular periods, missed periods or light periods
  • Excess hair on the face and some other parts of the body
  • Increased body weight
  • Acne
  • Dark patches of skin on the neck, arms and breasts
  • Skin tags
  • Fertility issues

Diagnosing PCOS

PCOS can be diagnosed after understanding the symptoms and doing certain medical tests. 

  • Blood Tests: Blood tests provide an understanding of the hormonal levels. Sometimes, the doctor may also ask you to perform a test to check your blood sugar levels.
  • An Ultrasound: An ultrasound is used to understand the size of the ovaries and check if there are any cysts. Apart from that, it can also help determine the endometrial thickness.

Does PCOS Affect Getting Pregnant?

While PCOS does make getting pregnant difficult, it is possible to conceive with the help of medicines and, in some cases, assisted reproductive methods.

PCOS Treatment

There is no sure-shot cure for PCOS. However, a doctor can help manage the condition in the best possible way. Some of the methods using which this can be managed are:

Managing PCOS

While medicines are helpful, the best way to manage PCOS is to have a good lifestyle. An exercise routine, proper diet, stress management, and a good sleep schedule are some of the important changes one can make to improve one's chances of getting pregnant with PCOS.

Living with PCOS

It may be difficult to deal with both the physical and mental impact PCOS can have on someone's health. Weight gain, hair growth in unwanted places, oily skin and acne are not easy to deal with. However, proper care and cosmetic intervention can help you manage these effectively. 

PCOS and Pregnancy

Some women may not know that they have PCOS until they decide to start a family. Most of the time, it is not noticed by women. In general, if you are trying to get pregnant without any success, you should consult a doctor to see what might be the issue. With proper care and medication, it is possible to get pregnant with PCOS. A good diet, healthy lifestyle and medication can definitely increase the chances of pregnancy

Also Read : Overcome Pregnancy Challenges While Battling With PCOS

Few Risks Associated with PCOS Pregnancy

Having PCOS can put both the mother and the baby at risk. Some of the complications you need to watch out for are: 

  • Miscarriage: Women with PCOS may have higher chances of a miscarriage during the initial stages of their pregnancy. The risk can be reduced by taking proper medication and care. 
  • Gestational Diabetes: This is a specific condition that occurs only during pregnancy. Due to pregnancy, the placenta that surrounds the embryo blocks the body's insulin production to such an extent that it increases insulin levels. This condition can be treated with medical intervention. Also, the condition goes away after delivery. 
  • Mood Swings: PCOS is related to hormonal complications, so it is highly likely that mood swings are a given. However, this should not lead to anxiety and depression. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that along with physical health, mental health is also taken care of.

Although it may seem scary to read about PCOS and pregnancy, it is generally manageable with proper medical care and regular monitoring. Apart from the medications, a healthy lifestyle, exercise and proper diet can go a long way in managing the long-term effects of PCOS. It is very easy to manage the symptoms and deliver a baby without any complications with proper help. However, one must ensure that the physical and mental health is top-notch for everything to work seamlessly. 

FAQs:

1. How risky is pregnancy with PCOS?

PCOS pregnancies do come with a risk for both the mother and the baby. However, they can be managed. 

2. Can I get pregnant if we have PCOS problems?

Having PCOS does not mean there is no chance of pregnancy. Pregnancy is possible with PCOS, and doctors may give certain medicines to boost your chances of getting pregnant. 

3. What are the complications of PCOS after pregnancy?

High blood pressure and risk of Type 2 diabetes are some of the high risks associated with PCOS after pregnancy. 

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