Don’t let PCOS stop you from falling pregnant.

Can I still get pregnant if I have PCOS?

Take a deep breath ladies… yes! You’re still able to fall pregnant despite having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.


PCOS affects hormone balances, thus fertility is interfered with – therefore the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries are affected, or in some cases prevented altogether… and if you do not ovulate, you can’t get pregnant.


Here’s the good news – despite PCOS being a common cause of infertility in women, it is treatable and when trying to conceive, proven to be successful – with a structured and specific diet.

How does PCOS affect pregnancy?

Unfortunately, PCOS increases risks during pregnancy, such as ➡️

⚠️ Miscarriage
⚠️ Gestational diabetes
⚠️ Preeclampsia
⚠️ Macrosomia (a very large baby)
⚠️ Your baby in a neonatal intensive care unit after birth

How can I prevent problems from PCOS during pregnancy?

More good news ladies – you’re able to reduce your issues with conceiving by ➡️

🙋 Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy
🙋 Achieving and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels before pregnancy
🙋 Taking the right folic acid supplements

What are my treatment options for PCOS to help me fall pregnant?

Keeping things positive, you do have options to help you get pregnant if you have PCOS ➡️

Losing weight

If you’re overweight or obese, living a healthier lifestyle through exercise and a targeted healthy diet, can help to balance your hormones, regulate your menstrual cycle, and improve your fertility.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe you medicine to help you ovulate… however, even with medicine, it’s like supplements – you can’t just take pills and expect that’s all you need.

Medication, together with a healthier lifestyle, and specific and structured diet, is a powerful collaboration to significantly increase your chances of falling pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy and baby.

IVF (In vitro fertilisation) may also be an option to consider. Your egg will be fertilised in a laboratory – then
implanted into the uterus to help develop into a foetus.

Surgery

If all options don’t work, surgery may be required. The outer shell of the ovaries has become thick in women with PCOS – which plays a part in preventing spontaneous ovulation.

Surgery involves ovarian drilling, where a doctor makes holes in the ovary’s surface using lasers or a fine needle. It usually restores ovulation – but only for 6 to 8 months at a time.

Working with an Accredited Practising Dietitian such as Katrina Ridout, you’ll be able to significantly boost your fertility despite having polycystic ovary syndrome, because whichever treatment you choose, you’ll need targeted diet and nutrition to improve your pregnancy outcomes.

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS, is a health problem that’s caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones in the ovaries. Due to PCOS, the egg may not develop correctly, or it may not be released during ovulation as it should be. The result being missed or irregular periods which can lead to cysts developing in the ovaries – or infertility.

PCOS has links to other health problems too, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol,
weight gain, sleep apnoea, endometrial cancer, depression and anxiety.

What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

There are several fertility-related symptoms of PCOS, which include irregular periods or no menstrual periods whatsoever. Additionally, you increase risk of miscarriage, therefore you decrease your chances of a natural pregnancy… seek medical, health and dietary support.

The condition creates more profound side effects in younger women, because of the large number of hormones they have, leading to a more noticeable hormonal imbalance.

Thankfully, there is a silver lining for women who suffer from PCOS. As women age, the follicle number drops, and the hormone imbalance corrects itself – to a degree. Women in their teenage years and twenties, can sometimes have more eggs present in their thirties, giving a better chance of conception than before.

Pregnancy and PCOS nutritionist in Brisbane

If you’re affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and want to conceive, contact Katrina Ridout Nutrition. Kat has over 15 years of helping women with PCOS to deliver healthy babies.

Get in touch with us today by clicking here ➡️ contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should we include or avoid in a PCOS-friendly diet?

A PCOS-friendly diet should include complex carbohydrates, lean protein, healthy fats, low-glycemic index foods, and fibre-rich foods. Foods to avoid include processed foods, sugary drinks, high-fat dairy products, foods high in saturated fats, excessive caffeine, and alcohol. Work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to develop a personalised nutrition plan.

Making changes to your diet and lifestyle can help manage Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms and improve overall health. Here are some ways changes to your diet and lifestyle can help with PCOS:

● Improve insulin sensitivity: PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance. A healthy diet and regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels.

● Reduce inflammation: PCOS is also associated with inflammation. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, can help reduce inflammation.

● Manage weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help improve PCOS symptoms, particularly those related to insulin resistance. A combination of healthy eating habits and regular exercise can help with weight management.

● Regulate menstrual cycles: PCOS can cause irregular menstrual cycles. Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate menstrual cycles.

● Improve fertility: PCOS can also affect fertility. Managing weight and regulating menstrual cycles can help improve fertility in individuals with PCOS.

● Reduce cardiovascular risk: Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce this risk.

It’s important to note that changes to your diet and lifestyle should be made in conjunction with medical management and advice from a healthcare provider or registered dietitian.

Diet can significantly affect PCOS by impacting insulin resistance, inflammation, weight management, hormone balance, and fertility. A diet rich in fibre, protein, and healthy fats, and low in refined carbohydrates and sugar can help improve PCOS symptoms. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to develop a personalised nutrition plan.

APD Accredited Dietitian Brisbane
Early Life Nutrition Alliance - Partner of Katridout
Accredited Practising Dietitian
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