Polycystic ovarian syndrome and pregnancy outcome

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in the present generation is a very common reproductive disorder and the prevalence is on the rise. It is associated with typical features such as insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia and obesity which has deep implications on the pregnancy outcomes as well as a long-term health of the woman.Methods: Prospective comparative study performed over 200 pregnant women in the ESIC medical college, Bangalore. 100 women diagnosed with PCOS were compared with that of 100 normal women. The method of conception in pcos was recorded. maternal outcome in the form of abortion, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, mode of delivery, intrapartum and postpartum complication. Fetal outcome in the form preterm delivery, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants, large-for-gestational-age infants, apgar at 5 minute and admission to NICU.Results: Of the 100 women who were diagnosed with PCOS, 62 had spontaneous conception, 32 conceived with ovulation induction, 4 with artificial insemination and 2 needed IVF for conception. 18 women had spontaneous abortion, 58 were diagnosed with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) predominantly between 24 – 28 weeks’ period of gestation, 16 women had hypertension complicating pregnancy. Fetal outcome in the form of preterm birth was noted in 14 patients, large for gestation was noted in 11 newborns, the rate of NICU admission was significantly higher in the PCOS women’s infants constituting 33%.Conclusions: The assistance needed for conception was significantly higher in women with PCOS. The complications associated with pregnancy such as spontaneous abortions, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, preterm births, need of NICU care for the infants are much higher in women with PCOS. Adult health education and the preconception diagnosis and appropriate management of PCOS is an important primary mode of prevention of these associated complications.