Is It Possible To Get Pregnant With PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an increasingly common hormonal disorder observed in women of childbearing age today. It mainly affects menstrual cycle, blood sugar control and physical appearance. PCOS symptoms are caused by higher levels of male hormones which cause irregular periods (that means the ovaries don’t release an egg) leading to development of tiny cysts on the ovaries. These male hormones i.e., testosterone and its metabolites also cause acne, hair thinning and excess facial and body hair similar to men. Difficulty in conceiving is a common problem faced by women due to the hormonal imbalance.

Getting pregnant with PCOS

PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. However, there are a number options available to overcome this problem:

• Losing weight: If you are overweight, losing weight has been shown to significantly increase chances of pregnancy. This can be achieved with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
• Checking up on ovulation and timing intercourse around the time of ovulation is known to be helpful too.
• Fertility medications: If above options don’t work, your doctor will recommend infertility testing and appropriate treatment.
• Surgery: If medications don’t work, your doctor might suggest surgery to rupture the ovarian cysts that are producing excess male hormones.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF): If all options remain unsuccessful, the final treatment option is to opt for an IVF.

Chances of getting pregnant with PCOS are a bit lower as compared to other normal women, but with advances in technology and medicine, being a parent is not a distant dream anymore.

Effect of PCOS on pregnancy

Having PCOS increases your risk of pregnancy related complications like:

• Miscarriage
• Preeclampsia (High blood pressure)
• Gestational diabetes (High blood sugar levels) leading to a larger than average baby
• C- section delivery as the baby might be larger than average
  Preterm birth

When you are trying to get pregnant with PCOS, discuss with your doctor the right plan of action to avoid or manage these complications.

You may have to:

• Regularly check your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Take medications for high blood pressure or diabetes, if prescribed.
• Follow a strict, healthy diet recommended by a dietician so that you can manage your blood sugar levels and also, not gain more than the required weight during pregnancy.
• Do light physical activities recommended by your doctor.

All of this may sound scary but the good news is, with the right treatment, careful monitoring and some lifestyle modifications you can expect a successful outcome of your pregnancy.

Disclaimer: The information in the article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor.

Also read: Start With These 6 Tips if a Baby is on Your Mind

Explore the entire collection of articles: Mom Health

#planningababy