PCOS Pregnancy: Can PCOS Affect Pregnancy?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance condition affecting the female reproductive system. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), 10 to 13% of women globally are thought to have PCOS, and up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed. 

In PCOS, a woman’s body produces higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormones). It also leads to insulin resistance, which impairs the body’s ability to use glucose effectively for energy, increasing blood glucose levels. This disrupts a woman’s ovulation process (release of the egg), resulting in irregular or missed periods. 

PCOS is also a leading cause of female infertility. It makes a woman vulnerable to conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight gain, excessive hair growth, acne or oily skin.

Since PCOS is a common cause of female infertility, many women question: Will PCOS affect pregnancy? The scientific evidence to date has not provided a definitive conclusion. However, several successful PCOS pregnancy cases have been recorded. 

While conception, carrying, and delivering a pregnancy with PCOS is possible, it may be more challenging than a regular pregnancy. This is because PCOS has a serious impact on the female reproductive system and overall health.

This blog elaborates on the effects of PCOS on pregnancy: 

PCOS and Conception

Challenges 

• Impaired Ovulatory Function: Conception occurs when a sperm successfully fertilises an egg. In women with PCOS, ovulatory function is often impaired, resulting in irregular or absent egg release. 
• Missed Ovulation: Conception generally occurs during the fertile days of a woman’s cycle, typically around ovulation, when the egg is released. However, in PCOS, irregular cycles make it difficult to predict the fertile days, causing couples to often miss the optimal time for conception. 
• Poor Egg Quality: Egg quality is crucial for conception and a successful pregnancy. In some cases of PCOS, hormonal imbalances can compromise egg quality. Hence, this can lead to unsuccessful conception or a complicated pregnancy. 

Solutions

• Lifestyle Changes

If you’re wondering how to get pregnant with PCOS naturally, know that consistent, right effort may help. Know the primary symptoms of PCOS and implement strategies, such as reversing insulin resistance and regulating ovulation, to reduce their effects.

Weight is the most important factor affecting PCOS and overall well-being. Work towards achieving a healthy weight by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. 

• Seek Expert Guidance and Care

Ideally, if you have PCOS and are trying to conceive, consult a specialist who can guide you with a practical approach, helping you prioritise both your health and the well-being of your baby.

Motherhood Fertility & IVF has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, providing care that is science-backed while following an empathetic approach, ensuring you are fully supported throughout your journey.

• Personalised Treatment Plan

Based on your medical history and current condition, the doctor may recommend medications, surgical procedures, or advanced reproductive treatments. Carefully consider the benefits and risks and seek expert guidance to determine the best approach for you.

• Treatment Options

A wide range of treatment options is available. For example, laparoscopy may be recommended when cysts are present in the ovaries. The surgery removes these cysts, helping to restore a regular menstrual cycle and support fertility.

Alongside PCOS treatment, fertility treatment options can also be explored. Several Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) options, such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) can help pursue parenthood through a science-backed approach.

PCOS and Carrying a Pregnancy

Challenges

• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances often hinder the creation of an environment that is optimal for fetal growth, which may affect development and increase the risk of miscarriage.
• EPL: In medical terms, a miscarriage is referred to as Early Pregnancy Loss (EPL). It typically occurs in the first trimester of the pregnancy. According to the National Library of Medicine, 30–50% of women with PCOS experience EPL. This rate is higher than that observed in women without PCOS, highlighting a significant concern.
• Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes develops during mid-pregnancy as the placenta hormones block insulin in the body. This poses a risk to both the woman carrying the pregnancy and the developing child. 
• Hypertension: Hormonal imbalances in women with PCOS affect both body and mind, potentially causing anxiety and elevated blood pressure. This puts both mother and baby in a tough spot. 
• Implantation Problems: Women with PCOS may experience placental complications during pregnancy, such as improper implantation or attachment in an abnormal location. This significantly affects the PCOS pregnancy success rate. 

Solution

• Consulting a Specialist: Consulting a doctor who specialises in PCOS pregnancies is highly recommended. With their experience, they understand the potential complications and can develop effective strategies to manage them.

• Conscious Effort: Following a healthy, balanced diet and continuing with regular, moderate exercise is important. It will keep PCOS symptoms in control, facilitating the pregnancy to progress smoothly. 
• Regular Checkups and Monitoring: Regular checkups, including blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, and ultrasounds, are important to detect any potential issues early and ensure timely interventions.

PCOS and Delivering a Pregnancy

Challenges

• Problems Associated with Gestational Diabetes: In some cases of PCOS, gestational diabetes may cause the baby to grow more, resulting in a larger baby bump. This may make it difficult for the women to carry the pregnancy to the end.
• Pre-Term Birth: Due to the body strain and hormonal imbalance, a pre-term birth can occur. It means the baby is born before the standard pregnancy duration is complete. The baby may be born underweight or experience other complications. 
• Slow Labour Progression: This is another challenge women with PCOS who are delivering may face. It means the pushing stage requires more effort and results in slower output.

Solution

• Active Monitoring: Regular monitoring of the baby is essential, so that in the event of a preterm birth, both the medical team and the mother are prepared for immediate intervention in the operating theatre.
• Experienced Doctor On Board: In PCOS pregnancies, having an experienced and reliable doctor is crucial, as it can be life-changing. A planned C-section is often recommended, as it allows the doctor greater control over the delivery process.

Conclusion

Since PCOS affects female fertility, the most common question is what are the chances of pregnancy with PCOS? Currently, there is no definitive scientific answer to this question. However, getting pregnant with PCOS has been possible in several cases. Hence, maintaining a positive outlook may be helpful. While conception and pregnancy are possible, they can be challenging, emphasising the need for medical guidance and care.