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PCOS and pregnancy: Your guide to understanding its connection

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If you have PCOS or know someone close who has this condition, you would know that PCOS and pregnancy is a sensitive subject. This is because getting pregnant with PCOS can be a struggle and there is a higher risk of developing complications during pregnancy.

- [What is PCOS?](#what-is-pcos)
- [PCOS and pregnancy](#pcos-and-pregnancy)
- [Conceiving with PCOS](#conceiving-with-pcos)
- [Potential risks for babies](#potential-risks-for-babies)
- [Breastfeeding with PCOS](#breastfeeding-with-pcos)


What is PCOS


Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as [PCOS](/tips-and-advice-for-women/pcos/pcos-what-it-means-and-how-to-cope), is one of the most common causes of female infertility. It is a condition that causes the ovaries to produce a higher level (more than the usual) of male hormones (androgens). This imbalance affects the menstrual cycle, fertility and even appearance of a person.
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Some of the PCOS symptoms include:
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- irregular menstrual periods
- cysts on the ovaries
- infertility
- weight gain
- acne
- excessive face and body hair
- thinning or balding head hair
- insulin resistance.
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Irregular periods are one of the most persistent symptoms of PCOS and it’s always safe to be prepared for your periods at all times. This means having a pack of your trusted [Always Sanitary pads](/sanitary-pads) with you at all times. Try the [ALWAYS Cotton Soft Pads](/sanitary-pads/always-soft-pads-with-wings) which provide real cottony softness with ultimate protection. They are Flexible and well-fitting, and are designed with a soft cover that is gentle on your skin. The pad is securely held in place with wings, so you can go about your day without a worry. Similarly, you can opt for [tampons](/tampons) to manage your menstrual needs. The [ALWAYS Tampax Compak](/tampons/always-tampax-compak) tampons are great as they come with a smooth, compact applicator for discretion, and a built-in protective skirt to help prevent leakage for up to eight hours. They come in different absorbency variants to best suit your period flow.


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<h2>What is PCOS?</h2>

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PCOS and pregnancy

For those wondering, women with PCOS can get pregnant with the help of medications or without.
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However, having PCOS can increase your risk of some complications during pregnancy. Some of them are below:
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<h3 class="charpcos">1. Miscarriage - </h3> 

It is observed that women who have PCOS are more at risk of having a miscarriage during the early months of their pregnancy than women who don't have the condition,
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<h3 class="charpcos">2. Gestational diabetes - </h3> 

It is a type of diabetes that starts during pregnancy. If you have gestational diabetes, your body can’t use sugar (glucose) properly. This leads to a higher-than-normal levels of sugar in the blood, which can be unhealthy for both you and the baby. It could also lead to larger babies (a baby whose weight is more than what should be as per gestation), which would subsequently require a C-section.
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<h3 class="charpcos">3. Premature birth - </h3> 

Most babies born to mothers with PCOS are born prematurely and need to spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
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<h3 class="charpcos">4. Preeclampsia - </h3> 

High blood pressure is already a risk for women with PCOS, but during pregnancy, the sudden onset of high blood pressure is called preeclampsia and is usually accompanied with swelling of the hands and face. It typically develops after the 20th week of pregnancy, and can be treated successfully when caught early.
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While it’s true that this condition can make conceiving more challenging and it raises the risk of certain pregnancy complications once you do conceive — women with PCOS can deliver healthy babies. Most symptoms of PCOS during pregnancy can be treated with careful monitoring. 


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<h2>PCOS and pregnancy</h2>

Conceiving with PCOS

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant naturally for over a year, you must consider talking to doctor about the possibility of having PCOS. Some women don’t realize that they have PCOS till they try to get pregnant. And don’t worry, your doctor can chart out a plan to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy. Some changes in lifestyle such as losing weight, eating more healthy food, and if required, medication for some, can help you increase your chances of getting pregnant if you have PCOS.


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<h2>Conceiving with PCOS</h2> 

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Potential risks for babies

As difficult as it is for moms-to-be, having PCOS during pregnancy makes things slightly more complicated for babies as well. Both the mom-to-be and the baby will require extra monitoring. Some of the potential risks that babies are exposed to when the mom has PCOS are:
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- Premature birth
- Larger for the gestational age (a baby whose weight is more than what it should be during a particular gestation period) 
- Miscarriage
- Lower Apgar score (Apgar score is a quick method of measurement that doctors use to check the health of a newborns between 1 and 5 minutes after birth).


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<h2>Potential risks for babies</h2>

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Breastfeeding with PCOS

Once you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, whether it’s before or during pregnancy, you may need to manage symptoms continuously even after the baby is born. Your hormone levels will see some fluctuations after pregnancy, and not to forget breast-feeding, so your symptoms may change. This could mean that it may take some time for you to settle down.
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If you’re wondering about whether it’s safe to breast-feed with PCOS, then you should be happy to know that it’s totally fine. Even if you’re taking insulin medication to help control your blood sugar. 
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It is noted that women who have gestational diabetes are also at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on in life. The good news is that breast-feeding can actually help lower that risk. 
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Breast-feeding will benefit not just you, but your baby as well. So, if you’re open to the option, you can access all resources to make sure you have a pleasant and fruitful breast-feeding experience.
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__Takeaway__    
We understand you might be worried about conceiving but don’t let your worry bother you. While PCOS can affect your fertility and your pregnancy, with the right care, monitoring and treatment, it is possible to get pregnant as well as have a healthy pregnancy.

Now with Always Period calculator, calculate your next period and track your [ovulation period](/period-calculator).


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<h2>Breastfeeding with PCOS</h2>

__FAQs__
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#ba5cf0">Can I have a healthy pregnancy with PCOS?</h2>
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Yes, women with PCOS can get pregnant with the help of medications or without. With the right care, monitoring and treatment, it is possible to get pregnant as well as have a healthy pregnancy. 
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#ba5cf0">How can I manage my pregnancy with PCOS?</h2>
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Generally, adopting a healthy lifestyle which includes having a healthy weight, not smoking, restricting consumption of alcohol, eating healthy, exercising and getting sufficient sleep are ways in which you can manage pregnancy with PCOS.
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#ba5cf0">What do I need to know about risks involved in pregnancy with PCOS?</h2>
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Having PCOS can increase your risk of some complications during pregnancy. Some of them are gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, miscarriage and premature birth.


Disclaimer

__Disclaimer:__   
Please note the date of the last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers. 

PCOS and pregnancy - Wondering whether pregnancy with PCOS is possible? Get all your question on PCOS and pregnancy answered here.