The probability of complications associated with pregnancy and delivery is higher in women with PCOS. Some of the complications are the risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy, high blood pressure, diabetes during pregnancy and body swelling after the 20th week of pregnancy or preeclampsia, preterm birth, and C-section delivery.
Of course, with the right care and preventive measures, these risks can be lowered, and you too could have a safe pregnancy and healthy baby. Some general guidelines we follow at Apollo Cradle are:
Monitoring blood glucose levels – While pregnant, check your blood sugar levels as often as recommended by the doctor, which will be more often than before pregnancy. Understand from your doctor what the ideal blood glucose levels should be and maintain it.
Continue insulin treatment as before – If you were already using an insulin pump before pregnancy, you should continue doing so. It is not advisable to start using an insulin pump for the first time during pregnancy. However, if other insulin treatments don’t work, your doctor would recommend an insulin pump.
Follow recommended diet – Consult a qualified nutritionist for a diet plan tailored to maintaining your optimum blood sugar levels. Three small balanced meals and 2-4 healthy snacks are recommended. Exercise regularly and work to maintain a healthy weight gain that will be prescribed by your doctor.
Take prescribed vitamins regularly – Your doctor will prescribe specific prenatal vitamins to ensure the healthy development of the baby such as folic acid. Doses may vary as the pregnancy advances and it is crucial to follow the recommended dosages to minimise the risk of complications.
Will you be able to breastfeed?
Women with diabetes are strongly encouraged to breastfeed their baby. Breastfeeding, in fact, lowers your baby’s risk for childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. Women with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and breastfeeding seems to lower that risk. It also may help in losing weight gained during pregnancy. It is safe to continue insulin while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor about the diabetic medication you are taking while breastfeeding.
