How to Get Pregnant with PCOS; A Struggle Between Hope and Infertility

I am not waiting for my stars to align

Just my hormones!!!

PCOS also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome is a medical condition that affects a million women worldwide. It is an infertility issue that is becoming more and more common in society. Women nowadays are rarely educated about their health and wellbeing and thus they often tend to suffer from such mishaps. The major issue that needs to be highlighted here is we as a society are not welcoming female reproductive education or the concept of fertility. 

What is PCOS and Why Do You Need to Pay Attention? 

PCOS can easily be summarized as severe hormonal imbalances in the female reproductive system that causes irregular periods and difficulty in conception.  This sudden and severe shift can result in the enlargement of ovaries and thus the inability of these organs to successfully release the egg. All this concludes into an immature menstrual cycle and an affected ability of the body to withstand pregnancy.

What are the Symptoms of Pregnancy with PCOS?

Missing a period or getting affected with nausea in the morning is one of the common symptoms related to pregnancy out there. Common symptoms that indicate pregnancy with PCOS are:

• Fatigues 
• Tender breasts
• Bloating in the abdominal area
• Headaches
• Mood swings 
• Severe pain in the back 

Today we have compiled some basic things you need to know and what follows is a FAQ session. We do hope that we are helpful in one regard or another. 

PCOS Diet for Pregnancy Success

A common question that is asked by a plethora of pregnant women is what are the dietary restrictions that they need to follow to make their pregnancy successful?

So let us give you a round-up of what you should eat and what you need to avoid. 

Foods That You Need to Eat for Breakfast

• Eggs 
• Fibrous fruits such as apples, berries, and grapes 
• Whole oats or oatmeal 
• Yogurt 
• Beans, lentils, seeds

Foods That You Should Avoid for Breakfast

• Those foods which have an exceptionally high sugar content 
• Fruit juices and dried fruits 
• White toast or white bread

Foods That You Need to Eat for Lunch or Dinner

• Fish with brown rice and a handful of green vegetables 
• Stir fry or saute vegetables such as peppers, onions, carrots, tomatoes, and beans
• Lean meats such as chicken
• Vegetables
• A burrito bowl with a side of brown rice

Foods That You Should Avoid for Lunch or Dinner

• Processed and packaged meat products or raw meats
• Processed and refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, white rice, etc.
• Deep dry items such as donuts, chips, and crisps

FAQ’s

What is the Best Age to Get Pregnant with PCOS?

Women who have PCOS often seem to ponder what is the best age to get pregnant with PCOS. 

The chances of a secure pregnancy start to fade away at the age of 32. And then what follows is a steady decline in fertility till a woman reaches the age of 37. Thus,  all those who are trying to get pregnant with PCOS after 30 are advised to try often and try harder. 

The prospect of naturally conceiving a child is high before the age of 35. After this age, all the hormonal changes and wearing down of the body make it a complicated feat. If there are no additional impediments then conception can occur within a span of a year. 

Women who are above 35 and are suffering from PCOS for longer periods of time, might be in need of professional help or consultancy. 

Can Women with PCOS get Pregnant?

PCOS is a common fertility issue that makes the whole ovulation process a complication.  During ovulation, the ovary releases the egg. In the presence of sperm, the egg might get fertilized. After the fertilization process, the egg travels to the uterus which then develops into a pregnancy. 

In the absence of sperm, the fertilization process does not happen and that is when you get your periods. 

For women to get pregnant, ovulation is of key importance. Thus, women having PCOS can conceive naturally but the stability of that pregnancy is a prevailing question. Furthermore, the quality of the egg is also compromised, and thus even if a woman is pregnant, the chances of sustaining the pregnancy are highly finite. 

How to Get Pregnant with PCOS?

Here are some of the key steps that are a must when it comes to a healthy and stable pregnancy with PCOS.

Maintain a Healthy Weight and BMI

BMI is an abbreviation of body mass index. It is an indicator of healthy body weight and also gives an idea of how much fat is present in your body. In case you are overweight, be mindful of consulting with a doctor about how much weight loss is needed to conceive properly. 

A Healthy Diet

Eating healthy and making nutritious choices during pregnancy is a fact that is not debatable. Thus, opt-out for healthier choices as they are going to pay off in the end. 

 Ovulation Calendar 

This practice is very productive and is frequently advised by gynecologists. By keeping a track of the days and menstrual cycles it is easier to connect the dots regarding how to get pregnant with PCOS and irregular periods. 

Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels 

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is mandatory both for a stable pregnancy and for the baby’s future health. Thus it is pertinent for women to have maintained blood sugar levels. 

How to Get Pregnant with PCOS Quickly Naturally?

Well for someone who is suffering from a disease like PCOS it is natural to wonder about what and to which extent they can play their part to make conception happen in a natural manner. 

There are certain lifestyle habits that one can tweak to enjoy the benefits of a stable pregnancy. 

De-stress

Stress can be your enemy in many ways. And it can also be the primary obstacle in this manner as well. Elevated levels of stress in the body can lead to the production of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that interferes with the fertility of the body and can cause issues with pregnancy. Some effective ways of stress management that might work wonders for a healthy pregnancy  are:

• Yoga 
• Counseling 
• Meditation 
• Exercise

Reverse Insulin Resistance 

Insulin resistance is a problem frequent for women who are suffering from PCOS. insulin resistance means that the levels of glucose in the bloodstream are higher than needed. This can directly impact the body’s ability to conceive. 

First things first, you have to cut off sugary substances from your diets such as refined carbs or soda drinks. Parallel to all this,  you have to add protein and fibers to your body to keep up with the needed nutrition in your body. 

Keep Up WIth An-Inflammatory Diet 

Diet is the other part of the fertility quotient that we all are ignorant towards. The consumption of the wrong foods can make your hormones berserk. 

Women who have PCOS are already suffering from higher inflammation because of the high levels of androgens in their blood. Androgens then play a keen role in disrupting the body’s insulin-sugar level. Higher levels of insulin then add to the body weight and all this commences a vicious circle that is tough to break. 

That is when an anti-inflammatory diet can play its key part in the story. A diet that is anti-inflammatory constitute of the following:

• Control the consumption of red meat 
• Avoid sugar as much as you can 
• Swap your coffee breaks with green tea 
• Add fish to your diet several times a week
• Consume unsaturated sources of fat such as nuts, seeds, or olive oil 
• Make beans an essential part of the diet

The Struggle is the Part of the Story

PCOS is an invisible disease that millions of women worldwide are fighting on their own. Yet it is pertinent to have hope even in the darkest of times. For all those women who are trying to get pregnant with PCOS, remember to make the best use of the aforementioned tips. In addition to all this if you need help and consultation visit your primary healthcare doctor now.