PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a major cause of infertility in women. Although PCOS does not stop women from having babies, the condition can make pregnancy difficult. If you have PCOS you need to know about PCOS and pregnancy to increase your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.
What Exactly is PCOS?
Ovulation occurs when the ovarian follicles release an egg. PCOS is a hormonal problem that makes ovulation hard. Women with PCOS produce more testosterone than usual, which can prevent ovulation and result in irregular or absent periods. Due to hormonal imbalance, the follicles do not release eggs, which remain in the ovaries as cysts, resulting in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Symptoms of PCOS?
- Acne.
- Excessive growth in facial hair.
- Scalp hair thinning.
- Excess weight gain.
- Abnormally long-lasting menstrual bleeding.
- Menstruation irregularity.
More than half of women with PCOS develop insulin resistance before age 40. You should see your doctor if your periods are irregular or if you suddenly experience any of the symptoms listed above.
The medical practitioner will consider your family history and whether you have had it before. It is possible to have PCOD/PCOS without ovarian cysts; Therefore, doctors will do blood tests, pelvic exams, and ultrasounds to confirm their suspicions.
How to Detect Pregnancy if You Have PCOS?
It’s easy to miss pregnancy symptoms when you have PCOS. Missed Periods – Classic pregnancy symptoms can be difficult to recognize if you have PCOS. Menstrual irregularities make it difficult to recognize when you missed your period unless you track your ovulation.
Women usually get their periods about two weeks after ovulation. So, if you’re sure you ovulated but haven’t had your period within 14 days, you’re more than likely pregnant; For best results, ask your doctor to monitor your ovulation cycle.
Additionally, in PCOS, doctors often recommend metformin, a drug that induces ovulation. Such drugs often mimic pregnancy symptoms, such as vomiting and nausea. They can also cause a metallic taste in your mouth, another sign of pregnancy.
If you are being treated with progesterone, you may experience breast pain, fatigue, mood swings, and appetite changes; These are all classic pregnancy symptoms.
Women with PCOS should avoid using early result pregnancy tests, as these tests often give false negative results.
To clarify your doubts, a medical practitioner may ask you to take a PCOS profile test that assesses the levels of various hormones in your body.
What are the Chances of Pregnancy with PCOS?
You may need medication to get pregnant with PCOS. According to clinical studies, nearly 80% of women with PCOS who took the drug Clomiphene Citrate succeeded in ovulating. Half of these women became pregnant within a six-period cycle.
If medications fail, your doctor may prescribe IVF treatment. Pregnancy rates for women with PCOS range from 20% to 40%. For women over 35 who are overweight, it becomes more difficult to get pregnant.
Risks associated with getting Pregnant with PCOS?
Gestational
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing this type of diabetes. It is treatable and, if kept under control, poses no significant health risks to the mother or fetus. After the baby is born, the condition usually goes away on its own; However, gestational diabetes can cause very large babies with low blood sugar and breathing problems. This increases the chances of women and their children developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia, a rapid increase in blood pressure, can damage a mother’s brain, kidneys, and liver after the twentieth week of pregnancy. Furthermore, if not treated in time, it can progress to eclampsia, which can lead to seizures and even death. Delivery, even if premature, is the main treatment for this condition. Women with preeclampsia may need a C-section, which carries risks for both mother and baby.
