Written By: Lalithambigai Satish Kumar
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a condition of hormonal imbalance that changes how a female reproductive system or ovaries work. PCOS may start during the early teenage years, leading to missed or irregular menstrual cycles, obesity, extra hair on body and face, and acne on face. When a woman with PCOS undergoes a pelvic ultrasound, small sacs with liquid can be identified as cysts on her ovaries. Hence, the name polycystic -- which literally means having many cysts.
If there is a question raised, “Does having PCOS affect my fertility?” The answer is yes because PCOS can affect ovulation. Ovulation is the process when one of the ovaries release an egg. Women with PCOS very likely have high levels of hormones, known as androgens and insulin which can partly or completely stop the menstrual cycle. For certain cases, an egg may not be released at all. Women with PCOS can conceive naturally but it may take longer than expected. Therefore, women with PCOS who are planning for a baby are advised to take a balanced diet, and engage in regular exercise for weight loss. However, it's also important to consult with a health care professional in order to balance your menstrual cycles and to keep track of your ovulation.
PCOS not only lowers the chances to conceive but, may also lead to high risk of complications during pregnancy such as, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, miscarriage, premature birth or cesarean birth. Therefore, pregnant mothers with PCOS are advised to see their doctor or midwife during pregnancy so they can have a close watch to manage any complications that may arise, by providing extra care and monitoring.
How to manage PCOS during pregnancy
Pregnant mothers with PCOS should receive extensive prenatal care, which include:
- Regular prenatal check-ups,
- Screening for gestational diabetes, and for other complications,
- Monitoring fetal growth and well-being.
At the same time, pregnant mothers with PCOS are advised to:
- have a healthy lifestyle with balanced diet,
- engage in exercise or other aerobic workout with guidance of doctors and prenatal exercise specialists or instructors,
- manage stress levels through meditation or other relaxation practices and have proper rest.
Apart from that, some mothers with PCOS may need to continue to take certain medications during pregnancy with doctors prescription, meanwhile, some may need to discontinue them.
Pregnant mothers with PCOS and gestational diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and follow any recommended nutritional and lifestyle plan to maintain the blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Most importantly, pregnant mothers with PCOS need utmost care and support from their spouses, families, and work colleagues for the well-being of the mother and the baby. These mothers with PCOS are advised to attend childbirth education classes to take control of their pregnancy journey confidently, and to make informed decisions during labor and birth, because Knowledge is Power and Preparation is Key.
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