Pregnancy under the best circumstances can be difficult. For women with PCOS, getting pregnant, staying pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy can be challenging.

Some problems that women with PCOS may encounter during pregnancy may include high blood pressure, miscarriage, gestational diabetes and other serious complications.

If you are a woman with PCOS it is of vital importance that you identify and address your symptoms and cause of your disease, especially if you are considering becoming pregnant. There are many steps you can take to reduce the severity of your symptoms. These steps include changes in your diet and exercise program as well as the addition of supplements to your diet. The base cause of PCOS is Insulin Resistance.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes affects only about 4% of all pregnant women. Interestingly enough, women diagnosed during pregnancy with gestational diabetes are found to more likely have PCOS. Overweight or obese women have a higher risk of gestational diabetes especially those women who needed to have fertility treatments in order to begin ovulation

Women with PCOS should take necessary precautions in early stages of pregnancy and have themselves screened for the possibility of gestational diabetes. Your ob/gyn can screen you for possible complications of PCOS.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension or high blood pressure is an important indicator to monitor during pregnancy. Women with PCOS may be more prone to hypertension during pregnancy. If you are a woman who has borderline or high blood pressure prior to becoming pregnant, it is probably more likely for you to develop hypertension during your pregnancy. If you are a woman with PCOS make sure that your blood pressure is being monitored at every doctor visit. You may also want to purchase a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope to take your own blood pressure at home.  

Why Am I At a Higher Risk for Miscarriage If I Have PCOS?

It is an unfortunate statistic that woman with PCOS that do conceive have a higher incidence of miscarriage than women without PCOS. Healthy women without PCOS have an average of 15% chance of miscarriage compared to an average of 45% for women with PCOS. The hormone imbalance that occurs with PCOS is partially responsible for the higher incidence of miscarriage.  

High insulin levels in women with PCOS can interfere with the normal balance between clotting factors in the blood and the promotion of normal clot break down physiology. High insulin contributes to  increased blood clotting where the uterine lining and the placenta meet. This clotting can lead to a placental insufficiency. Placental insufficiency occurs when the placenta fails to supply the necessary nutrients and remove toxic waste to and from the fetus. This insufficiently can lead to miscarriage.

While the statistics are not favorable, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of conceiving, carrying a pregnancy to term and remaining healthy throughout your pregnancy. If you are an overweight woman, before getting pregnant or trying to conceive, start a healthy exercise program. Cardiovascular exercise along with resistance training can help you shed the pounds and get your body ready for the stresses of pregnancy. Try eating a diet high in fiber and low in sugar and carbohydrates. Reduce the stress in your life and begin to prepare yourself with the necessary components to good health for you and your future child.

There are many places to find support from other women who are suffering with PCOS. Soul Cysters is a wonderful place to connect with other women struggling with the complications that PCOS has on their fertility cycle. Educate yourself today. Hear stories from women who are experiencing many of the same issues you are. Perhaps even share your story.