Pregnancy and Autism

Several scientific studies have failed to connect events during pregnancy and autism. The only factors we know to be associated with secondary autism are Rubella or viruses like it during pregnancy. If a couple already has a child with autism, the possibility of having another one is approximately 8 percent. This chance is higher if the child with autism is a girl. A pregnant woman should use normal caution and follow her OB’s orders with regard to diet, exercise, prenatal vitamins and activity level. Autism results most likely from a misprogramming of the brain. A pregnant woman cannot cause autism in her child by exercising too much, or eating the wrong foods. Currently, doctors recommend eating tuna and other fish in moderate amounts because of high mercury content. While this is true, and you should follow your doctor’s dietary guidelines, the notion that mercury toxicity is responsible specifically for autism has no scientific support. Of course common sense dictates that from the moment a woman is aware that she is pregnant, she should consult with her physician about taking any medication including over the counter medications.

There is hype out there about an epidemic of autism. That is frightening to pregnant women. Let me assure you that we are diagnosing better and earlier and that we are diagnosing cases that are so mild, they escaped medical attention before. There is no true epidemic, we are just more familiar with it, so relax and enjoy your pregnancy. The chances of getting in a car accident are much higher than that of having a child with autism if there is no history of autism in your family.

Finally, you must be hearing a lot about vaccines and autism. You probably have been warned about vaccinating that yet to be born baby. You must protect your new upcoming baby. There is no evidence that vaccines cause autism. Trimersol (the accused culprit) has been removed from the vaccines. Please discuss this with your pediatrician. Failure to vaccinate your new born baby may end up in disaster. Some of the diseases we vaccinate against can cause brain damage in an unprotected infant. I urge you to talk to your doctor about your concerns and not form an opinion based on internet information.

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PCOS and Pregnancy

If you have PCOS and you're pregnant - congratulations! It's likely that you've had to make Lifestyle changes and even undergo medical or fertility treatment to conceive, and you should be proud of your efforts and success. Now that the stress of achieving conception is behind you, you may already be concerned about the next stage, the pregnancy itself. Even PCOS sufferers who get pregnant relatively easily, or by accident, should know that a PCOS pregnancydoes not always progress without complications. There are several factors which should be monitored by your doctor and/or gynecologist.

Is A Successful Pregnancy Possible?

The answer is yes. Your chances of carrying a baby to full term depend on the severity of your PCOS, your own state of health and the treatment you receive during pregnancy, but it is very possible for a woman with PCOS to have a successful pregnancy and many have done so.

Am I Pregnant?

So What Are The Risks?

Medical experts say women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), preeclampsia and blood clotting disorders during pregnancy. Pregnant PCOS sufferers are also more likely to experience miscarriage,pre-term birth or have over-size babies. Studies have placed the miscarriage rate among pregnant women with PCOS at between 45 and 50 %, compared to 15 to 25 % among the normal female population. While this figure may seem scary and intimidating, it's important to remember that steps can be taken to prevent and treat these disorders.

What Can I Do?

The first thing you must do, if you haven't done it already, is inform your doctor or whoever normally treats your PCOS that you're pregnant. If you have been getting treatment for PCOS or to help you conceive, you need to be aware that some medications for PCOS are not suitable for use during pregnancy. You must discuss this with your doctor. Certain fertility drugs used by women with PCOS also increase the chance of multiple pregnancies. One clear advantage, if you've been having treatment, is that you are probably already doing a lot of the things that will help you to complete a healthy pregnancy. These include, weight loss (through good diet and exercise ), reducing your stress levels and medical care to protect you and your baby.

Preconception Tips

Weight Loss

If you are overweight (and a lot of women with PCOS are), shedding some pounds will help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, miscarriage, and the chances of having a very large baby. It will also help to rectify the hormonal imbalances that hinder normal embryo implantation and development in PCOS women. In particular, weight loss reduces the amount of insulin (the hormone which regulates blood sugar) that your body needs to function. High levels of insulin in PCOS sufferers are linked to gestational diabetes. This disorder can cause the baby to grow too big, which in turn can bring on pre-term birth and necessitate a C-section. Having too much insulin can also cause blood clots in the placenta. This deprives the baby of vital nutrients and can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. Remember that you must consult a medical professional familiar with your condition before beginning any new exercise or eating regime during your pregnancy. This is especially important if you are very overweight.

Medical Care

Most treatment for PCOS is aimed at stabilizing your hormones to increase your chances of achieving and maintaining pregnancy. Your doctor should also monitor your blood pressure at regular intervals and look for early-warning signs of diabetes and (later in the pregnancy) pre-eclampisa. Certain drugs may also be used to preventblood clotting.

Think Positive

Being anxious about a PCOS pregnancy is very understandable, but by staying calm you could be increasing the chances of a successful outcome for you and your baby. Remember that high stress levels are associated with hypertension. Do what you can to be well-informed, communicate with your doctor frequently and follow his or her instructions. Apart from that, the most important thing you can do is try not to worry. Some gentle and relaxing activity to get you out and about, like swimming or yoga, could be what you need to take your mind off things.

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PCOS and Menstrual Cycle

The ovaries are two small organs, one on each side of a woman's uterus. A woman's ovaries have follicles, which are tiny sacs filled with liquid that hold the eggs. These sacs also are called cysts. Each month about 20 eggs start to mature, but usually only one matures fully. As this one egg grows, the follicle accumulates fluid in it. When that egg matures, the follicle breaks open to release it. The egg then travels through the fallopian tube for fertilization. When the single egg leaves the follicle, ovulation takes place.

In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn't make all of the hormones it needs for any of the eggs to fully mature. Follicles may start to grow and build up fluid. But no one follicle becomes large enough. Instead, some follicles may remain as cysts. Since no follicle becomes large enough and no egg matures or is released, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman's menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Plus, the cysts make male hormones, which also prevent ovulation.

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What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Not all women with PCOS share the same symptoms. These are some of the symptoms of PCOS:

• infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding
• infertility (not able to get pregnant) because of not ovulating
• increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes—a condition called hirsutism (HER-suh-tiz-um)
• ovarian cysts
• acne, oily skin, or dandruff
• weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
• insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
• high cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
• patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
• skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
• pelvic pain
• anxiety or depression due to appearance and/or infertility
• sleep apnea—excessive snoring and times when breathing stops while asleep

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What is Polycystic Ovaray Syndrome? (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome is caused by a hormone imbalance. Women with PCOS have ovaries that are enlarged and filled with cysts. In addition, they may have very irregular periods and excess body hair growth.

Am I Pregnant?

It is thought that excess of the hormone testosterone causes polycystic ovary syndrome. Although testosterone is the male hormone, women also produce small amounts of testosterone from the ovaries and adrenal glands. Too much testosterone will prevent ovulation, leading to infrequent periods or no periods at all.

Gynecologist can tell you whether you have PCOS. If you do, he or she will recommend birth control pills to regulate your cycles. When you want to get pregnant. You may need fertility medication such as Clomefene citrate to stimulate ovulation.

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