Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by an imbalance in reproductive hormones, which can lead to ovarian issues. During ovulation, the ovaries in a healthy menstrual cycle release an egg once a month. When an egg is not fertilized, it is ejected from a woman’s body during a period a few weeks later.
PCOS can interfere with this process by stopping a woman’s ovaries from releasing the egg once a month. PCOS causes the ovaries to produce an abnormally high level of male sex hormones (androgens), which are normally only present in trace amounts in women.
A high dose of androgens causes menstrual cycle issues and hinders the body from producing adequate hormones for ovulation. PCOS can cause irregular or absent periods, making pregnancy more challenging.
Can PCOS affect pregnancy?
Women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to experience pregnancy-related difficulties. Moreover, infants born to mothers with PCOS will likely spend a short period in the NICU. Common pregnancy complications associated with PCOS could account for these changes. In addition, PCOS-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome and elevated androgens may enhance the hazards for newborns.
The common complications that can be associated during pregnancy with PCOS:
Early pregnancy loss or miscarriage:
Some studies indicate that women with PCOS have an increased risk of miscarriage. However, other researchers explain the rise to factors such as weight, age, and the use of reproductive medications.
Moreover, women treated with ovulation-inducing drugs may have an increased risk of spontaneous miscarriage compared to women who ovulate regularly.
High blood pressure associated with pregnancy:
This condition is caused by increased blood pressure during the second half of the pregnancy. It can progress to pre-eclampsia if not treated well. This type of increased blood pressure might potentially have an impact on the baby’s delivery.
Pre-eclampsia:
Pre-eclampsia is a dangerous rise in blood pressure that happens during pregnancy. It is accompanied by leg swelling and protein in the urine. If you don’t treat it, it can lead to eclampsia, damaging your kidneys and liver and causing seizures.
Gestational diabetes:
Gestational diabetes is when the mother’s blood sugar levels rise during pregnancy and usually return to normal after the baby is born. But there is a good chance you will get it again if you have more children.
In most cases, this type of diabetes happens in the last half of the pregnancy. Diabetes mellitus is different from gestational diabetes because it is worse and doesn’t go away after pregnancy. A healthy woman’s blood insulin level can rise to three times during pregnancy. About seven times as many women with PCOS are having healthy babies.
Preterm deliveries:
Women with PCOS, especially those with high androgen levels in their blood, are more likely to have babies early. When there are two or more pregnancies, the rate is 67% higher. Some of the reasons a baby is born early may be an incompetent cervix and high blood pressure.
The major signs that might indicate PCOS at an early stage:
There are various signs and symptoms associated with PCOS, and they can include:
- Abnormal periods
- Infertility
- Weight gain
- Extreme acne
- Severe fatigue
- Depression
- Excessive facial and body hair growth
- Scalp hair thinning
Several of these symptoms (such as extra facial hair and acne) are caused by increased androgen hormone levels. All females have these hormones, and PCOS is one of the reasons for hormonal imbalance in females.
Even if the signs and symptoms don’t show up, get a women’s health checkup at regular intervals to get diagnosed early in case of PCOS.
Can women with PCOS conceive naturally?
Women with PCOS can conceive naturally without any medical intervention. But to make this a reality, PCOS women should have a healthy lifestyle, take proper PCOS treatment for pregnancy and manage it efficiently. Although if PCOS is severe, you can always seek medical help to get pregnant.
The options that might help pregnant women with PCOS:
Medications:
If you and your partner have trouble getting pregnant, your gynaecologist may prescribe medicine to help ovulation induction in PCOS.
Losing the extra weight:
If you are overweight or obese, decreasing weight via good food and regular exercise can help regulate your menstrual cycle and increase your fertility.
Medical surgery:
Surgery is also an option, although it is often reserved for cases where non-surgical treatments have failed. In women with PCOS, the ovaries’ outer layer (called the cortex) is thicker, which is believed to hinder spontaneous ovulation. Ovarian drilling is a surgical procedure in which the doctor uses lasers or a small needle heated by electricity to create a few holes in the surface of the ovary. Typically, surgery restores ovulation, although only for a couple of months.
In vitro fertilization (IVF):
If the medications fail, in vitro fertilization may be a great choice. In the IVF procedure, the female egg is fertilized in a laboratory along with a male partner or a donor sperm. After fertilization, the embryo is then transplanted into the female vagina. In vitro fertilization is the best assisted reproductive procedure with a high success rate and reduces the risks of triple births.
In vitro fertilization not only helps women with PCOS, but it is a great choice for women dealing with endometriosis conditions and men and women with infertility issues.
Is a healthy pregnancy possible with PCOS?
A healthy pregnancy with PCOS is completely possible. Following a proper lifestyle and making necessary changes to the diet before and during pregnancy can aid in maintaining your weight and hormones on a balanced level. There is a majority of women who get pregnant with PCOS deliver healthy babies. Consult the best gynaecologist in Coimbatore, to undergo the PCOS treatment.
Can PCOS be cured after pregnancy?
PCOS issues can always return even after pregnancy. It can show signs like abnormal periods and fluctuations in hormone levels. Pregnancy is never a cure for PCOS. Only with proper lifestyle management and a doctor’s advice can you keep PCOS under control.
The precautions to follow by a pregnant with PCOS to avoid complications:
- Pregnant mothers should have an active lifestyle; along with exercising regularly, you should monitor your weight along with blood sugar levels.
- Consuming food with high protein content can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
- A balanced diet is essential; it should contain whole fibres, proteins, and healthy fats.
- It is important to avoid alcoholic beverages and limit caffeine intake completely.
- The doctor-prescribed medications have to be taken as per advice, and also need to undergo PCOS treatment for pregnancy along with regular medical checkups at regular intervals to maintain the health of both mother and the baby.
Important takeaway:
PCOS is a major issue now faced by the majority of women. It has become a concerning issue today. But fortunately, proper medical intervention and efficient lifestyle changes can keep PCOS in control and also promote a healthy pregnancy in women with PCOS. It is important to remember when PCOS is managed efficiently it does not lead to any complications or risks.
