Navigating Pregnancy with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
September marks a significant month for health awareness: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month. PCOS is a health condition that affects 6 to 15 percent of women of childbearing age and can have significant implications for pregnancy and birth. Women with PCOS may experience hormonal imbalances that can make it more challenging to conceive. However, with medical support and treatment, many women with PCOS can have successful pregnancies.
One of the primary concerns with PCOS is its effect on fertility. The condition can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and anovulation, meaning that ovulation does not occur regularly. This can reduce the chances of conception. Treatments such as clomiphene, metformin, and letrozole are often prescribed to help stimulate ovulation and improve fertility rates in women with PCOS, but not without risks.
During pregnancy, women with PCOS face a higher risk of complications such as miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and premature birth. These risks require careful monitoring and management by healthcare professionals. For instance, gestational diabetes may require insulin therapy to maintain stable blood sugar levels, and preeclampsia may lead to the need for early delivery.
Babies born to mothers with PCOS also face their own set of risks, including being large for gestational age, which can lead to complications during delivery, such as shoulder dystocia. There’s also a potential for premature birth and a lower Apgar score, which assesses the newborn’s health immediately after birth.
Despite these challenges, many women with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies. It’s essential for those with PCOS to work closely with their healthcare team to manage their condition before and during pregnancy to optimize both their health and the health of their baby.
For more detailed information on PCOS and pregnancy, resources such as PubMed and the National Institutes of Health offer comprehensive overviews, studies and guidance. It’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options. You may even choose to seek the guidance of a functional medicine doctor, to get a different perspective and root-cause healing plan.
Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and with the right care, PCOS can be managed effectively to pave the way for a healthy pregnancy and birth. It is always helpful to have extra support when there are additional risk factors during birth and postpartum recovery, consider a DOULA to give you additional confidence! #doulanearme #michiganfamilydoulas
