Getting pregnant with PCOS is possible. However, it brings complications during pregnancy. Babies born from PCOS Pregnancy are at higher risk of spending time in the hospital. They may even die before, during, or after birth.
1. Fertility
If you have this, you may have difficulty getting pregnant. Hence, it is because of the unusual levels of hormones. The male hormones prevent the release of an egg. The condition also affects the quality of your eggs. You are likely to produce eggs that are not mature. When this happens, the sperm will have a hard time fertilizing it.
However, PCOS and Fertility can happen. You may want to change your lifestyle. Try to maintain normal body weight by eating nutritious foods. Also, engage in regular exercise. Timing of sex may also increase the chance of getting pregnant. Call your doctor if these steps do not work. They may recommend certain medicines to help. Also, a laboratory test is very important. You may also go for surgery. The procedure will remove part of your organ that produces too many hormones.
2. It can Cause Loss of Pregnancy
Women with PCOS have higher chances of losing their child. Also, it can happen during the early stages of pregnancy.
3. It May Cause Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is associated with PCOS pregnancy. This type only affects pregnant women. It can cause problems to both the mother and the baby if left untreated. Most cases go away after the baby is born. Babies whose mothers have this may come out large. Also, they are at risk of having low blood and difficulty in breathing. Later in life, they may develop diabetes.
4. It can Lead to High Blood Pressure
Getting pregnant with PCOS may cause a sudden increase in blood pressure. Hence, it happens after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can affect the mother’s brain, liver, and kidney. If not treated early, it can cause damages to the organ. It can even lead to death. Doctors advise early delivery for this condition. The baby will come out through a surgical procedure.
5. The Baby may Come Out Earlier
Babies might come out earlier. Therefore, it increases their chance of having health problems. These may come right after birth or when they are older.
6. Delivery via Cesarean
PCOS carries complications. That is why doctors recommend this type of delivery. Mothers may take a longer time to recover from it. It may also bring risks.
7. Breastfeeding Concerns
You can safely feed your babies after birth. Doctors highly recommend breastfeeding even for women with this condition. It will lower the risk of health problems in the child. It can also lower the risk of the mother having health problems. Feeding the baby may also lead to weight loss. Additionally, it is useful to lose weight gain during pregnancy.
8. Management
PCOS and fertility is manageable through the help of your doctor. They will perform tests to confirm the diagnosis. Proper diagnosis will lead to the right treatment. The doctor will get the symptoms under control first. They will also discuss the risks, especially if getting pregnant is in your mind. Check your blood pressure and sugar level regularly. Consult with a dietitian for healthy weight management.
Important Note
When pregnant, talk to your doctor. They will screen for health problems first. You will be encouraged to gain normal weight. Check your BMI. The normal range is from 18.5 to 24.9. Pregnant women should gain between 25 to 35 lbs if you fall in the normal range. Those in the higher range can gain between 15 to 25 lbs. Also, a weight gain of 11 to 20 lbs. is advised for those in the obese range. Try to include 30 minutes of brisk exercise in your routine. Do this five days a week. A healthy weight will help with easier labor and delivery. However, the opposite will result in a larger baby. You may also have longer labors.
Having PCOS during pregnancy needs a partnership with your doctor. They can provide the care that you and your baby need. Therefore, it will help with a smooth pregnancy and delivery. They will monitor you regularly. Also, one needs to check their sugar level. Normal levels will lessen the risk of having problems. They can also suggest treatment or management of symptoms. Following your doctor’s advice will help you and your baby to be healthy.