Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that affects women of menstruating age. Although it is not life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable and can cause fertility challenges for some women. Women with PCOS can get pregnant, but their risk of pregnancy complications is higher than average. Once they become pregnant, however, their symptoms are similar to any other pregnancy.
Nausea
Nausea is often one of the first symptoms of pregnancy, and this is also true for women with PCOS. According to the Mayo Clinic, pregnancy-related nausea can begin as early as a few weeks after conception takes place. The term "morning sickness" is often used to describe nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy; however, this nausea may occur at any time of the day. Pregnant women may also notice they are more sensitive to smell than usual, which may also trigger nausea.
Sore Breasts
Tender breasts may appear shortly after conception. The Mayo Clinic reports that this can begin as early as two weeks after conception. These changes are caused by developing milk glands, which, in addition to making them feel sore, can cause the breasts to feel heavier or fuller than normal. The nipples may also appear darker.
Missed Period
A missed period is a good indicator of pregnancy for most women, but this may not be the case for women with PCOS. According to the American Pregnancy Association, PCOS can cause women to have irregular menstrual cycles. They may frequently miss periods altogether. A missed period may be a sign for most women to take a pregnancy test, but this symptom may go unnoticed by a woman with PCOS.
Fatigue
Pregnant women often feel tired during their first trimester, and the same is true of a pregnant woman who has PCOS. The Mayo Clinic reports that higher progesterone levels may cause this fatigue. However, other causes include lower blood sugar and lower blood pressure, both common early in pregnancy. Additionally, a pregnant woman's body works hard to increase blood levels, which may also cause fatigue.
Spotting
Some women with PCOS may experience occasional uterine bleeding, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, bleeding around the time the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterine wall is common in pregnancy. This often occurs a week or two after conception. Like a missed period, this symptom of pregnancy may go unnoticed by a woman with PCOS who experiences bleeding between periods on a regular basis.
Weight Gain
As pregnancy goes on, weight gain is an unavoidable symptom. It is normal for women to gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy. However, women with PCOS should monitor this weight gain for unusual spikes, which may be a sign of a pregnancy complication. The American Pregnancy Association reports that women with PCOS have a higher than average risk of developing gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related hypertension, both of which can cause unusually rapid weight gain.
