Pregnancy struggles of Women with PCOS

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary syndrome is a disorder where there is a hormonal imbalance in young women causing weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne and infertility. It is estimated that 1 in 10 women have PCOS, though each person’s experience of the syndrome can be different. This condition is diagnosed by symptoms, and by blood test that shows and increase in testosterone levels. An ultrasound of the ovaries will show cysts confirming the diagnosis. PCOS can cause some to struggle with conceiving, it’s also the most treatable cause of female infertility. By managing their PCOS symptoms, many women with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies, and deliver healthy babies. Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital Kharghar answers some frequently asked questions.

1. How does PCOS affect fertility?

PCOS is a condition where there is increase in the Male hormone. So, ovulation is hampered and it affects the fertility. An irregular release of eggs means that some women with PCOS don’t release eggs every month.

2. Who have a lower chance of conceiving?

An obese PCOS patient has less chances of conceiving. If their BMI is in the normal range between (18.5-24.9), the goal is between 25 and 35 lbs. If their BMI is elevated between (25-29), the goal is between 15 and 25 lbs. And finally, If their BMI is in the obese range (>30.0), the goal is between 11 and 20 lbs. So maintaining BMI is the must to maintain to avoid the side effects of PCOS.

3. What should they do to improve their chances of conceiving?

To improve chances of conceiving, life style changes are a must. One has to exercise at least 40 minutes a day and curtail on carbohydrate diet and sweets. 30 minutes of brisk exercise 5 days a week for all pregnant patients.

4. What kind of medical treatment do they need to undergo?

In PCOS, mostly the period is irregular, so ocp to regularize the period is given. As insulin metabolism is bad and also the carbohydrate metabolism, so metformin is given to metabolize sugar better and it helps in weight loss. During pregnancy planning medicines for ovulation induction and support may be required.

5. Which age group of patients with PCOS has the most risk in conceiving?

Mostly women above 30years with PCOS have the risk in conceiving. Due to age there is a high risk of Diabetes and high BP. Thus, chances of miscarriage increases.

6. Can PCOS complicate the process of pregnancy?

Yes, it can. There are chances of delayed conception. There could be early miscarriages due to hormonal imbalance. There are increased chances of diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy.

7. Can there be any problem in delivery?

During delivery mostly there is no problem but in obese patients with PCOS there may be problem. If that patient has diabetes in pregnancy then chances of shoulder Dystocia increases. One having PCOS should understand that it is not completely curable. But, its severity can be controlled.

8. What should you advice the patient with PCOS?

I would advise them lifestyle changes. Good dietary habits with less carbohydrate and less junk food, less oily food should be opted for. There is no type of diet that is proven to work best, a diet lower in sugar and simple carbohydrates might work best.

9. What is your advice for patient trying to conceive with heavy weight?

A heavy weight person should always try to maintain the BMI as per the height. So a daily exercise is a must and decrease of carbohydrates is a must. Obesity can lead to many things like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. So a good life style modification is required.

Book Appointment:Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital Kharghar