It is estimated that 6-15% of women have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disorder in women of childbearing age characterized by disruption of the menstrual cycle and excessive levels of androgen hormones.
A person diagnosed with PCOS will have more difficulty getting pregnant. In addition, pregnant women with PCOS also have a greater risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
So here are some things to watch out for in women with PCOS related to pregnancy.
Risks for mom-to-be with PCOS
Women with PCOS are more likely unable to get pregnant because of an imbalance in the body's reproductive hormones. A study also states that 60% of women with PCOS are overweight, so not a few need reproductive technology to get pregnant, even down to about 14% of them.
For pregnant women, PCOS can lead to an increased risk of complications during pregnancy, including preeclampsia. In addition, other complications to watch out for are gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes. Having gestational diabetes could cause the baby's size in the womb to be larger than average, creating problems during the delivery process.
Risk for the baby
Unfortunately, having PCOS during pregnancy complicates things, requiring more intense monitoring of pregnant women and babies in the womb. The risks of PCOS that can be caused to the baby in the womb are premature birth, long gestational age, miscarriage, and low Apgar scores. According to some studies, female babies have up to a 50% chance of inheriting the PCOS condition from their mother.
PCOS and breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is safe and can be done by mothers with PCOS, even those on insulin treatment. However, changes in hormone levels after pregnancy and while breastfeeding can change the symptoms of PCOS you experience. Immediate breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby, including reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes for women with PCOS later in life.
Some women may not realize they have PCOS until they try to conceive. If you have been trying to conceive for more than a year and have not yet achieved the desired result, contacting your doctor immediately is a good idea.
Doctors can help create a pregnancy plan, including strategies you can take to improve your chances, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and administering medications in certain circumstances. You can consult a Newfemme doctor first before consulting an obstetrician further.
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Reference:
Brusie, C. & Falck, C. (2016). What You Should Know About Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Pregnancy. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/pcos