Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Pregnancy
A common condition for women, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can make natural conception harder, but not impossible.
At Peek A Baby, we are able to provide reassurance in the early stages of positive pregnancy. Our early pregnancy scans offer peace of mind when you have been trying to conceive for some time.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, in a common chronic condition in women, affecting how their ovaries work. As a result of this, women struggle with irregular periods and possibly excess hormones. According to the NHS, it is said to affect 1 in 10 women in the UK, although more than half of these women don’t experience PCOS symptoms.
Sadly, for women with PCOS, this can mean pregnancy is more difficult, although not impossible. Many women with PCOS are able to successfully conceive, having a healthy pregnancy.
The Symptoms of PCOS
It is key to note that having polycystic ovaries does not necessarily mean that you have PCOS. If you have not experienced any symptoms of PCOS, you may not be diagnosed with this condition.
The symptoms of PCOS and their severity can vary for each person. Some of the more common symptoms can include:
- Irregular periods, or no period at all
- Increased body & facial hair
- Oily skin and acne
- Rapid weight gain
- Hair thinning or hair loss on the head
- Difficulties in falling pregnant.
The cause of PCOS is unknown; however, your GP will be able to diagnose PCOS via a number of methods. If you are showing some of the symptoms above, speak with your GP.
Diagnosing PCOS
If you have been experiencing some of the aforementioned symptoms, it is vital to speak to your GP, particularly if you are trying to conceive. Your GP will typically:
- Check your blood pressure
- Send you for hormonal blood tests
- Refer you for an ultrasound scan
The rests of these tests can help your GP to identify is PCOS is the cause of your struggles and symptoms. Typically, you will be given a clear diagnosis of this condition if you have at least 2 of these criteria:
- Irregular or infrequent periods
- Scans to show polycystic ovaries
- Blood test results highlight high levels of ‘male hormones.
Following a diagnosis of PCOS, your GP will be able to talk you through possible lifestyle adjustments and treatments to help alleviate your symptoms.
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Treatments for PCOS & It’s Symptoms
Unfortunately, PCOS is a chronic condition that has no cure. It can however be treated to alleviate the symptoms, with options to help with fertility and natural conceptions. Some of the treatments that your GP may recommend include:
Lifestyle Changes
Although not a complete cure for PCOS, making changes to your lifestyles can help to mitigate some of the symptoms, and even help with hormonal balance. Weight gain can be a struggle for women who have PCOS, particular rapid weight gain or difficulties in loosing weight.
Making changes to your exercise patterns and overall nutrition can help with your overall health and wellbeing, as well as aid in weight loss and hormonal rebalance. Taking steps toward improving your health can also increase your changes of naturally falling pregnant. For further advice and support of lifestyle changes, speak to your GP.
Medications
If you are wanting to try and reduce a number of your symptoms, medication may be an option for you. Your GP can prescribe medication once they have established what you are looking to seek help for.
Some of the common medications can include:
The contraceptive pill to help with irregular or absent periods
Clomifene can help encourage ovulation
Metformin may also help stimulate ovulation
Letrozole can aid in ovulation stimulation
Various oral medications or creams can help with hair loss symptoms
Acne treatments
IVF Treatment
An alternative avenue for women to explore if they are actively trying to get pregnant is in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. This can help increase the chance of pregnancy for some women, whilst also risking multiple pregnancies.
Surgery
In some cases, women may be given a surgical treatment for PCOS. This is a minor surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD). This uses heat or laser to destroy tissue that produces androgens (male hormones). This surgery has been found to also result in raised levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
Your GP can provide you with more information on this form of treatment and refer you if required.
The Risks Associated With PCOS & Pregnancy
When it comes to PCOS & pregnancy, it is key to understand the risks and possible complications that can occur. PCOS can mean women are at higher risk of pregnancy complications such as:
- Pre-Eclampsia
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Miscarriage
- Premature Birth
In some cases, women may be more likely to need a caesarean section during labour in order to have a successful delivery. This is often due to the baby being larger than expected for their gestational age. Your midwife will advise you on this further.
When undergoing IVF treatment to help with pregnancy, having PCOS can increase the risk of multiple pregnancies too.
Women that have been diagnosed with PCOS will often be monitored more throughout pregnancy to monitor for any complications.
Book Your Early Pregnancy Scan
At Peek A Baby, we understand that trying to naturally conceive can be an emotional rollercoaster for many women, particularly those who have PCOS. We provide a number of reassurance options for women who are trying to conceive or think they may be in the stages of early pregnancy.
We offer a range of fertility blood tests and packages for women looking to evaluate and understand their fertility. These blood test can evaluate your hormone levels, and detect any possible reasons for fertility complications, giving you additional information to discuss with your GP.
Our fertility scan is a comprehensive ultrasound scan that investigates the uterus, ovaries and surrounding pelvic region to identify any gynaecological complications that can impact your fertility. With a detailed report following your ultrasound scan, you can discuss next steps with your GP.
HCG Beta Early Pregnancy Blood Test
Our early pregnancy test is able to give confirmation of successful pregnancy from as early as 10 days after conception. It measures the amount of beta-HCG in the blood, identifying whether your HCG levels are 25 or higher, indicating pregnancy.
We recommend that if you have struggled with pregnancy complications previously, such as ectopic pregnancy, that you book 2 HCG blood tests, 3 days apart in order to monitor your HCG levels over a period of time.
Our early pregnancy scan is available from 6 weeks, giving you reassurance that your pregnancy is viable from early on. This can give you your first glimpse at your baby through the window of your womb, starting the bonding process with your baby as they grow.
No matter what stage of family planning you are at, Peek A Baby can offer you a scan or blood test, giving you a greater insight into your fertility or pregnancy.
With three clinics across the UK, we are able to offer our services to everyone. Based in Birmingham, Bromsgrove and London, we can provide same day scan and blood test appointments where possible. If you are looking to book your appointment, call your local clinic today or complete our contact forms online.
For our early pregnancy scan, you are welcome to bring your loved ones with you to share in your special moment. Please ensure you have asked the clinic how many guests you can bring beforehand.
All staff across our three clinics are qualified professionals with a postgraduate level of qualification in medical or clinical ultrasound. We only employ sonographers who have HCPC Registration, and nurses who are registered with their associated regulatory body; this is often the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). With only fully qualified staff, you can be assured that your appointments are to the highest standards, using the latest equipment and giving highly accurate results.
Whether you are looking to book your first pregnancy scan with us or want to know more about your fertility before actively trying, book an appointment with your local Peek A Baby clinic today.
Common Questions Around PCOS & Pregnancy
Many women can find that they do not experience their usual symptoms of PCOS whilst pregnant. Some even find that their condition improves following pregnancy, getting regular periods.
Yes, you can still breastfeed if you have PCOS. Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby and is encouraged if it feels right.
Unfortunately, not. The cause of this chronic condition is unknown currently, meaning it cannot be prevented.
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