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Someone sent me a letter last week, asking about PCO and a miscarriage she happened to experience a few weeks ago. I think, it’s better if I write the reply here just in case other women experience the same thing.

Dearest M,

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a syndrome of hormone imbalances.

PCOS is characterized by enlarged ovaries that contain numerous small and painless cysts. This is because the ovary doesn’t make all of the hormones it needs for any of the eggs to fully mature. They may start to grow and accumulate fluid, but no one egg becomes large enough. Instead, some may remain as cysts. Since 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. Also, the cysts produce male hormones, which continue to prevent ovulation.

Also, the interruption of the egg’s maturation process may cause abnormal chromosomes in the egg. This might increase the probability of a miscarriage.

However, don’t worry. It can be treated. There are some treatments that can be done especially if you still wish to conceive, such as:

Fertility Medications. This one can be chosen since the main fertility problem for women with PCOS is the lack of ovulation. Metformin can be taken with fertility medications and helps to make PCOS women ovulate on lower doses of medication.

Surgery (Laparoscopy). This surgery can lower male hormone levels and help with ovulation. But these effects may only last a few months.
Maintaining a healthy weight. Since obesity is common with PCOS, maintaining a healthy weight can help. Even loss of 10% of her body weight can help make a woman’s cycle more regular.

Consult with your ob/gyn to find out which treatment is better for you. Hope you can get the best one.

Love,

Naeva

Yes, it’s again about pregnancy. Not that I’m ready for a third child but I’d just love to help those who are pregnant enjoy their moment.

So, here are some tips for a healthy & comfortable pregnancy:

At home:

• If you’re a cleaning freak, please adjust your standard with your ability to do it. Don’t push yourself. A clean house is great but there is no need to get extremely exhausted for that.
• Get help. If you can’t pay a maid, well, maybe now you should ask your husband to do more errands.
• Lessen your grocery shopping intensity.

At the office:

• Don’t climb up the stairs too often, it might make your heart works harder.
• Bring lunch. Not only can you prepare healthful meals, you can also save your energy by not having to go out to get food.
• Avoid overtime. Organize your time and do your jobs based on priority.

In public places:

• If you plan to go for a vacation or simply recreation, choose a place that’s safe, comfortable and easy to reach.
• Avoid visiting shopping center too often. Pregnancy sometimes makes you get dizzy easily.
• Don’t get too excited while preparing for the trip. No need to prepare 5 meals. Or, better, just buy them. You can use your energy for the recreation instead.
• Make yourself comfortable during the trip. Choose a snug seat.
• Use your right. If you get tired and need to sit, for example in a public transportation, ask someone to give a seat to you.
• Make sure you don’t sit or stand too long.
• Take a moment to sit with you legs straight or take a walk for a while.

Hope you all enjoy your pregnancy…!

And join TT, it’s fun!