3 Diet Tips for PCOS While Pregnant
Have you ever come across the phrase “eating for two” about pregnancy? Since your diet affects both you and your unborn kid, you are eating for two. This doesn’t always mean that you should eat twice as much. On the other hand, you should make sure that you and your child are getting all the nutrients you need. Your calorie needs don’t actually change while you’re pregnant. However, you may need to consume more iron, iodine, choline, folate (folic acid), and other nutrients.
So, it’s essential to focus on the quality of your diet and choose nutrient-dense meals. However, if you have PCOS, then you might need to pay extra attention to your diet. In such a case, you may need to avoid some fruits and other things while pregnant.
So, before we look into what women with PCOS need to eat or avoid during their pregnancy, let’s learn what PCOS is first.
What is PCOS?
You’ve probably heard about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS sometimes in your life. This is a serious medical condition where there are multiple cysts in the ovaries. It results in a variety of changes in the entire body and not just in the gynecologic system.
Moreover, when a woman with PCOS becomes pregnant, she must take steps to ensure there are no issues and she may find it difficult to even conceive. Therefore, it becomes very important during these times to be careful with your diet and health in general.
To take the greatest possible care throughout pregnancy, you should also be informed of the difference between PCOD and PCOS. The best way to be cautious is to confirm all your concerns by speaking with a gynecologist. However, here’s a brief explanation for you.
What is the difference between PCOS and PCOD?
Some females can be unsure of the similarities or differences between PCOD and PCOS. Both medical diseases share the same symptoms. Also, they both link to the ovaries and hormonal imbalance in women of reproductive age. However, there are some differences between these two and every woman should be aware of them:
- PCOD causes the ovaries to generate an excessive number of immature or partially developed eggs. This mostly happens due to poor lifestyle choices, obesity, stress, and hormonal imbalance. On the other hand, PCOS is a more serious case, which is a metabolic disease. It can cause anovulation, in which the ovaries stop producing eggs.
- Women with PCOD can still ovulate and become pregnant with little help. They can carry their pregnancy to term with the use of medication. So, we can say that it doesn’t really affect fertility. Meanwhile, women with PCOS experience severe fertility issues. They can find it difficult to ovulate regularly, making pregnancy difficult for them. Moreover, there’s a chance of miscarriage, early birth, or pregnancy difficulties if they get pregnant.
- There are no significant issues with PCOD. But, that is not the case with PCOS. Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and endometrial cancer are among the significant complications of PCOS.
However, in both conditions, following a healthy diet and routine can help significantly. Weight loss, a nutritious diet, avoiding junk food and processed foods, and regular exercise have proven effective outcomes in both PCOD and PCOS. So, without further ado, let’s look at what are some healthy diet tips you can follow during you’re pregnant with PCOS:
#1. Eat more that reduces inflammation
Pregnant women are recommended to eat more anti-inflammatory foods. For example, tomatoes, olive oil, spinach, and fresh fruits and vegetables. For PCOS-afflicted pregnant women, omega-3 fatty acids can help control their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. So, depending on the doctor’s advice, you can also add omega-3 fatty acids. Besides, you can consume prenatal vitamins, Vitamin D, and calcium supplements. Doing this will ensure that the baby receives all the nutrients it needs for healthy development.
#2. Consume lean proteins
A diet rich in whole foods, such as fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, is the focus of a healthy PCOS diet. The majority of PCOS diets are low in protein. However, you will need to gradually increase your protein consumption throughout your pregnancy. Protein supports your baby’s growth and healthy development. You can eat high-quality proteins from both plants and animals. Moreover, vegetarian proteins that also contain fiber can help control blood sugar levels. You can find it in legumes, quinoa, buckwheat, nuts, seeds, and nut butter. However, if you’re not a vegetarian, don’t be afraid to incorporate organ meats into your PCOS pregnancy diet. Vital fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins A and D, Vitamin B12, copper, zinc, and iron are all abundant in organ meats.
#3. Keep an eye on your portions
It is essential to eat little amounts frequently during the day to avoid binge eating. Your everyday diet should consist of two to four small meals of fruits. Besides, cereals and bread should also be included in it along with four portions of dairy products like milk, cheese, and ghee. Additionally, to aid the body in filtering the blood, you should consume more water throughout the day.
Final words
A healthy and PCOS-friendly can make you feel light. Moreover, it helps lessen some PCOS symptoms, making it easier for you to get through your pregnancy days. Besides, if you have PCOS, be careful to learn which fruits to stay away from during pregnancy. To ensure both your health and the health of your unborn child, a little mindfulness can go a long way.
