Overview of PCOS and Prenatal Care
Women trying to conceive with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) need to take extra steps to ensure that their PCOS symptoms are managed and have a healthy, complication-free pregnancy.
Falling pregnant naturally with PCOS is possible, but certain pregnancy risks may be higher among women with unmanaged PCOS.
Primarily, conditions like high androgen levels and metabolic syndrome may expose infants born to mothers with PCOS to a higher risk of spending time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), according to research.
Among the specific PCOS-related pregnancy complications are miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, pre-term birth, c-section delivery, and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure.
For this reason, proper symptom management and prenatal care, such as taking prenatal vitamins and practicing PCOS-friendly habits, are good ways to increase the chances of having a healthy, complication-free pregnancy.
What are Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are supplements containing essential vitamins and minerals needed before pregnancy as well as during it.
One of the essential vitamins to take when planning to conceive is folate, a B vitamin naturally found in food, which prepares the body for pregnancy.
Folic acid and methylated folate are types of folate, but are processed by the body differently.
Methylated folate is more superior among the two as, unlike folic acid, it does not require several steps of conversion for the body to be able to use it.
It's readily available right away and can instantly be used by the body for the baby's development.
Depending on their genetic makeup, some people may also find folic acid difficult to process.
Excess folic acid can also linger in the body.
All of these factors make methylated folate and folate from food more pregnancy-friendly.
Aside from folate, other vitamins like choline and inositol are beneficial in preparation for carrying a child to term.
Many of these nutrients can be found in food, but prenatal vitamins provide extra support for the body as it prepares for pregnancy.
The Role of Prenatal Vitamins in PCOS Management
If you have PCOS and are trying to conceive, prenatal vitamins may be more beneficial as they can also help you manage PCOS symptoms.
Since PCOS is a hormonal disorder that may also affect fertility, prenatal vitamins with nutrients like vitamin D3 and folate can also help manage one’s condition while preparing for pregnancy.
Here are some more key benefits of taking prenatal vitamins for PCOS:
Helps Address Nutrient Deficiencies
Having a healthy diet is essential when you have PCOS and are trying to conceive.
However, pregnancy may be taxing on the body and have you falling short on some key nutrients.
Prenatal vitamins can help address these nutritional gaps, which can be exacerbated during pregnancy.
Because of increased nutritional requirements, a lot of pregnant women with PCOS may find that they may be deficient in iron or vitamin A, among other nutrients.
Enhances Insulin Sensitivity
Prenatal vitamins can also help to manage insulin levels.
A lot of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, a condition wherein cells become less responsive to insulin.
Nutrients like zinc in prenatal vitamins can help improve insulin sensitivity, making supplementation beneficial for PCOS women trying to conceive.
Balance Hormones and Manage PCOS Symptoms
Prenatal vitamins can help PCOS patients by regulating the menstrual cycle and alleviating PMS symptoms.
The nutrients in these supplements typically also support hormone balance and reduce bloating, cramps, and mood swings.
Reduce the Risk of Gestational Diabetes
Studies show that supplementing with folic acid daily before pregnancy can specifically reduce the risk of pregnancy-related (gestational) diabetes.
This is a condition wherein blood glucose gets too high, putting the woman at risk for blood pressure disorders and emergency c-section delivery.
Folic acid, the synthetic form of vitamin B9 (folate), can be sourced from foods like nuts, leafy green vegetables, peas, and beans.
Support Healthy Fetal Development
Prenatal vitamins can support proper fetal growth and development.
Vitamin D, for example, supports fetal development of bones and teeth and supports healthy skin and eyesight.
Adequate folate, on the other hand, reduces the risk of the fetus developing a neural tube defect, a birth defect that affects the brain and spinal cord.
Contribute to Healthy Pregnancy Outcomes
Prenatal vitamins help the baby develop correctly and encourage healthy growth during pregnancy.
A steady vitamin routine can help avoid low birth weight, birth defects, and some preterm births.
Folic acid and Vitamins C and E can help prevent preeclampsia.
Key Prenatal Nutrients for Women with PCOS
Ginger
Ginger is beneficial for moms-to-be dealing with morning sickness and nausea, as it contains a lot of compounds that calm the stomach.
It relieves nausea without side effects, and its active components work directly with digestive tract receptors to calm the stomach and ease queasiness.
Folate (or Methylated Folate)
Folate helps prevent major birth defects like anencephaly and spina bifida, making it incredibly crucial for prenatal health.
A recommended dose of 400 mcg of methylated folate daily for a month before and during pregnancy is optimal to protect the baby’s brain and spine.
Inositol
Myo-inositol and D-chiro inositol help to improve ovarian function, reduce androgen levels, and reduce insulin resistance in women with PCOS.
Myo-inositol is specifically proven to improve the number and quality of eggs and raise pregnancy and delivery rates among women with PCOS.
D-chiro-inositol, on the other hand, improves insulin metabolism.
This type of inositol has reportedly been found in lower levels among women with PCOS, making supplementation a must in order to reduce insulin levels, blood pressure, and lipids.
An inositol supplement with a 40:1 ratio of both myo- and d-chiro inositol is ideal for mimicking the ratio of inositols in the body.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, usually found in fish oil, are incredibly beneficial for those with PCOS.
It helps lower inflammation, improve skin quality, reduce period pain, improve insulin sensitivity, and support healthy hair growth.
Specific types of omega-3 include ALA, DHA, and EPA.
DHA is particularly beneficial for pregnant moms, as it is a fat-building block essential in fetal growth and development.
The best source of omega-3 fatty acids is fatty fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, light tuna in cans, cod, herring, and trout.
You can also take fish oil supplements ranging from 1 to 4 grams per day.
Vitamin D
There is a connection between PCOS and vitamin D deficiency, with studies showing that low vitamin D3 levels can specifically be associated with high androgen levels in those with PCOS.
In some cases, severe vitamin D deficiency can also be considered a risk factor for developing PCOS, and proper supplementation may reduce the risk of developing such.
The recommended vitamin D intake for women ages 19 to 50 is 600 IU per day, but those with PCOS may need additional supplementation depending on their deficiency.
For this reason, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider to get the ideal dosage to address your vitamin D deficiency.
Iron
Iron has many benefits, especially for PCOS-related iron deficiency anemia caused by menstrual irregularity.
Some women with PCOS may experience prolonged periods of heavy bleeding, leading to chronic fatigue.
In some cases, excessive blood loss may require blood transfusion, making iron supplementation necessary for prenatal health, especially when you have PCOS.
The recommended dosage for females varies according to age:
- For women from 14 to 18 years: 15 mg
- For women from 19 to 50 years: 18 mg
- For women 51 years and older: 8 mg
- Recommended intake during pregnancy: 27 mg
- Recommended intake when lactating and between 14 and 18 years of age: 10 mg
- Recommended intake when lactating at older than 19 years: 9 mg
Women’s needs for iron vary based on their individual requirements, so while it is an important need for many pregnant women, it is not needed by all.
This is why it is not included in all prenatal supplements, and it’s still necessary to consult with your healthcare provider.
Chromium
Chromium helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels, as this essential mineral enhances the effectiveness of insulin.
Because pregnancy often increases insulin resistance, chromium supports the body in overcoming this challenge.
Women with PCOS are more likely to experience issues with insulin independent of pregnancy, meaning that having stable blood sugar levels is even more critical once you become pregnant.
By optimizing insulin function, chromium helps prevent gestational diabetes and promotes a healthier blood sugar balance for both the mother and the developing baby.
Choline
Choline is critical for fetal brain development and preventing neural tube defects.
Despite its importance, however, many prenatal supplements do not include choline at sufficient levels.
As a key component of cell membranes, choline influences neural tissue formation, impacting a child's cognitive function and memory.
Insufficient choline intake during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays.
Because choline can be difficult to obtain in sufficient levels through food, find a vitamin that has 100% of the recommended daily intake to ensure optimal neurological development for babies-to-be.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Prenatal Vitamin
Prenatal vitamins are readily available over-the-counter at pharmacies or online, but it’s essential to select a high-quality supplement that can provide what you need.
Here are some factors you may want to consider when choosing a prenatal vitamin:
Look at the Nutrient Content
Other than iron and folic acid, check whether the prenatal vitamin has other nutrients that may help improve PCOS symptoms, like vitamin D and inositol.
Calcium can also help promote the healthy development of teeth and bones in babies.
Other beneficial nutrients may include vitamin C, zinc, iodine, vitamin A, vitamin E, and B vitamins.
Depending on your condition and specific deficiencies, your healthcare provider may suggest that you take some vitamins and nutrients in higher doses, which may require additional supplementation.
However, in general, you’ll want to avoid taking anything in excess as too much of some vitamins may cause more harm than good!
Too much vitamin A, for example, may possibly affect your baby.
Quality and Purity
When choosing a prenatal vitamin, you should choose supplements from a brand you trust.
If possible, select one that has been third-party tested. Quality and purity are top concerns when taking anything before, during, and after pregnancy, so be sure to pick only the highest-quality supplements.
Ensure the brand’s claims are also research-backed and validated by industry experts and real customers.
Allergen Considerations
If you have PCOS, you may likely have food intolerances or allergies, too.
Consider these dietary restrictions when shopping for your prenatal vitamins, and check to see whether the supplement has any gluten, dairy, or common allergens that may trigger your intolerances and allergies.
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Discover our Line of PCOS Supplements: Real Women, Real Results
At Nourished Natural Health, our supplements are carefully formulated for women with PCOS.
Our products are made only from the highest quality ingredients and are based on thousands of hours of research.
We believe in a holistic and synergistic approach to healing PCOS symptoms, and our prenatal vitamins are a perfect blend of just what you need when you’re trying to conceive and support your pregnancy naturally.
Nourished Mama Prenatal
Nourished Mama Prenatal is a blend of prenatal vitamins and nutrients meticulously formulated to meet your preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum needs.
Our prenatal vitamins support your baby’s growth during pregnancy by providing 27 vitamins and minerals in optimal forms and dosages—no fillers and nothing you don’t need!
Specially formulated for PCOS Cysters, although great for non-PCOS girlies too, Nourished Mama Prenatal prepares your body for pregnancy by enhancing egg quality and normalizing ovulation.
It also nourishes your body during postpartum recovery by supporting lactation and breastfeeding while continuously working to support your PCOS.
Our blend is a vegan formula that contains high-dose choline, methylated folate, chromium, and inositol, among other beneficial vitamins and nutrients.
It also has the added benefit of soothing anti-nausea properties from ginger.
All you need is three capsules daily with a meal.
You can take it all at once or split it between 2-3 meals depending on your preference.
You can also open the capsules and mix the contents into soup, smoothies, juice, or other liquids.
When to Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Consistency and Duration of Supplementation
Continue taking your vitamins well into early pregnancy or during the first 12 weeks when your baby’s development is at its most critical.
You can then continue taking prenatal vitamins during your entire pregnancy and even after, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
Adjusting Vitamin Intake During Pregnancy
Depending on your unique condition, your provider may decide to adjust the dosage of supplements you take to support your body during pregnancy better.
Blends like Nourished Mama Prenatal have ingredients in optimal doses for better absorption, as some ingredients won’t be absorbed by the body in higher doses anyway.
Look for blends with bioavailable ingredients, no fillers, and no extra ingredients!
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