PCOS and Pregnancy

Nearly 5-10% of women, between the age of 20-40 experience polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS. About 30% women may have PCOS symptoms but it is possible that they are not diagnosed with the syndrome. PCOS is one of the main causes of infertility in women. Pregnancy is possible while having PCOS but women with PCOS tend to suffer a much higher rate of miscarriages.

PCOS and Pregnancy Complications

Women diagnosed with PCOS usually require treatment to improve chances for pregnancy. It becomes a challenge to stay pregnant with PCOS and have a positive obstetric outcome. If a woman with PCOS is pregnant, she may have to face gestational diabetes, miscarriage and high blood pressure. Obese women are at a greater risk of having gestational diabetes. Prompt medical check ups should be done to detect these health hazards as early as possible.

The main two causes of higher rate of miscarriage in women diagnosed with PCOS is the consequent hormonal imbalance that comes with the condition and placental insufficiency. The increased level of insulin in women with PCOS affects the physiology of blood clotting. Increased level of insulin results in increased clotting between the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and the placenta, which in turn may affect the placenta's ability to provide nutrients to the fetus and to remove its wastes. Such situation may lead to miscarriage.

Thus, if a woman with PCOS is pregnant, she is likely to exhibit symptoms like raised levels of insulin and high blood pressure. It is necessary that PCOS is diagnosed as early as possible and the necessary measures are taken immediately. This helps avoid further complications. Following are the symptoms of PCOS that help diagnose the typical endocrine disorder.

Symptoms of PCOS

• Irregular periods
• Ovarian cysts
• High blood pressure
• Higher rate of miscarriage
• Persistent, severe or late onset acne
• Difficulty conceiving
• Obesity
• Dark skin patches, excessive hair or skin tags
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Irregular and/or heavy periods
• Spotting or staining

Pelvic examination, ultrasound tests, lab tests to detect the exact glucose levels, testosterone levels and other hormonal levels can help diagnose PCOS.

PCOS and Pregnancy Success

As a first line treatment of PCOS, weight reduction is recommended which naturally enhances spontaneous ovulation. Only 5% of weight reduction can help increase the chances of successful pregnancy.

Various other treatments, ranging from fertility drugs for PCOS to surgery are available to treat PCOS. Oral contraceptive pills help regulate hormonal levels. They help regulate periods, clear up that acne and also prevent the excess hair growth.

IVF and ovarian drilling are the reproduction techniques that are useful to treat PCOS while anti androgens can be administered to suppress the excess production of male hormones, acne and unwanted hair growth.

Women with PCOS may have thyroid problems. Many women don't even realize that they have PCOS. Treating these thyroid symptoms helps to bring on a healthy pregnancy.

For some women, losing weight and reducing stress does the needful, while some women learn to keep record of basal body temperature.

Most of these women conceive without any special fertility treatments. After diagnosis of PCOS, sometimes a drug like metformin helps control insulin sensitivity and correct the woman's metabolism. She can then manage to get pregnant and have a baby.

Many women manage to bear children without having been diagnosed for PCOS. According to experts, as many as 80-90% of all women with PCOS have babies. Studies reveal the fact that most women diagnosed with PCOS do go on to carry successful pregnancies.

PCOS and Pregnancy Tests

PCOS does not affect the pregnancy test outcomes. It is not possible to get false positive or false negative results due to PCOS. Women with PCOS have a risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia and uterine cancer if PCOS is left untreated. They need to control their weight by consuming more fiber rich food, less sugar and fewer carbohydrates. Stress relievers like Yoga and meditation can help reduce the stress in their life.

With some simple but essential changes, a woman can create a positive environment for conception and pregnancy. The only thing that she should keep in her mind is that with proper precautionary measures, she can easily manage the PCOS symptoms, conceive, stay healthy throughout the pregnancy and have a healthy baby.