If you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), getting pregnant might be an uphill struggle. Even if you do get pregnant, the chances are that you will face complications while delivering your baby. Women with PCOS are susceptible to miscarriages and premature deliveries. While it may sound discouraging, you should know the health risks that can arise if you decide to get pregnant.

To make it easy for you, we have compiled all the information you need. So, keep reading.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can be best described as a hormonal imbalance. It occurs when your body produces a surplus of androgens, commonly known as male hormones. Women with PCOS will have more body hair and acne. Irregular menstrual cycles are another symptom women have to deal with.

Despite the varied symptoms, this condition is hard to diagnose, perhaps because doctors have to look for clues and can't rely on a single test.

Risks For Moms-to-be With PCOS

PCOS can cause varied complications for pregnant women. One such complication is preeclampsia, a dangerous condition for both mother and baby. If you are diagnosed with this, your doctor will prescribe a treatment based on the severity of the symptoms. To treat this condition, you will have to be constantly monitored.

Other medical complications include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.

If you develop diabetes during pregnancy, you will require insulin to keep your blood sugar stable.

Risks for Babies

PCOS can affect your soon-to-be-born baby as well. There is a good chance your baby might be born prematurely. If your baby is a girl, then she too may suffer from PCOS.

Getting Pregnant with PCOS

In many cases, women don’t know they have PCOS until they try to get pregnant. The symptoms are such that the condition may go unnoticed. If you have been trying to get pregnant for over a year without success, you should consult a doctor. This will help you get a proper diagnosis so you are aware of the risks involved.

Usually, the doctor will prescribe some strategies, making it easier for you to get pregnant. These will include losing weight and eating nutritious food. He or she may put you on medication as well.

PCOS and Breastfeeding

Once diagnosed with PCOS, you need to come up with a strategy to tackle the symptoms. After pregnancy, you will notice that hormonal fluctuations can intensify the already-existing symptoms. However, you should not allow such setbacks to discourage you from breastfeeding. It’s completely safe even if you are using insulin. Breastfeeding can even lower the risk of type two diabetes. Besides that, it's highly beneficial for your baby.

Compared to other mothers, you need to be twice as careful. PCOS can put your body at risk if you choose to get pregnant. That means you need to plan and be prepared for the resulting complications. First things first, talk to your doctor and start taking the prescribed medications. Along with that, change your diet and remember to get some exercise.

Author Bio: Prapti Chauhan is a professor of Genetics in Bangalore. She has contributed to several online research papers. However, she passionately develops content on pregnancy, childbirth, childcare and the benefits of cord blood banking stem cell banking and umbilical cord lining, and more.