Women with PCOS are at higher risk for pregnancy and delivery complications. These include a three-fold increase in miscarriage risk in early pregnancy compared to women without PCOS,
WHAT CARE DO YOU NEED DURING PREGNANCY with pcos?
Blood glucose. While pregnant, you will probably need to check your blood sugar more often than before pregnancy. Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor recommends. You should probably test it before meals, one or two hours after a meal, at bedtime, and during the night.Ask your doctor what your blood glucose numbers should be. Most pregnant women with diabetes should aim for these blood sugar levels as long as they do not cause low blood sugar:
Before meals (fasting blood glucose)
One hour after the start of a meal: 140 mg/dL or less Two hours after the start of a meal: 120 mg/dL or less Insulin. If you were already using an insulin pump before pregnancy, you should keep using it. You probably should not start using an insulin pump for the first time during pregnancy. But if other types of insulin treatment do not control your blood sugar, your doctor may want you to switch to an insulin pump.Medical nutrition therapy. You should see a dietitian for nutrition therapy. This healthy eating plan, tailored to you, helps make sure you get the nutrients you need and gain the right amount of weight, while controlling your blood sugar. The dietitian may suggest you limit the amount of carbohydrates, or “carbs” (for instance, potatoes, bread, and fruit), that you eat. It is a good idea to eat three small meals and two to four snacks a day. Your dietitian also will advise how often to eat and how many calories to eat a day.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP HAVE A HEALTHY BABY?
You can help ensure your baby’s health and your own health. Work with your obstetrician and your diabetes specialist to get proper medical care before, during, and after pregnancy. Take your diabetes medicine as prescribed and keep your blood sugar in control. Follow the healthy eating plan that you made with your health care team. Also, be physically active. Ask your doctor what type of activity is best for you.