Complications of PCOS Pregnancy: Evaluating Risk

PCOS is a heterogeneous condition in which metabolic disturbances such as
insulin resistance are common. Pregnancies in women with PCOS are reported to
have an increased chance of being complicated by gestational diabetes,
pregnancy induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia. Subsequently their offspring
are reported to have a lower birth weight and higher risk of admission to a
neonatal intensive care unit. However, the cause of increased complication rate
is not yet identified.

There is evidence that intra-uterine conditions as well as pre- and
periconception factors influence not only neonatal outcome, but also long-term
health of the child. Therefore early detection and treatment of pregnancy
complications is important for both mother and child.

In order to identify high risk PCOS pregnancies, the specific effects of PCOS
on pregnancy in comparison to the background effects need further investigation.
Preconceptional risk assessment of PCOS women is needed to improve antenatal
health care and pregnancy outcome of PCOS pregnancies in the future.

To design a multivariate prediction model of pregnancy outcome in women with
PCOS with the intention to define intervention strategies for the future.

Prospective multi-centre follow-up cohort study.

The burden associated with participating in the study will be mostly
originating from repetitive blood sampling. Participation in the study may be
of some benefit to the women since they will be monitored more closely than in
normal antenatal care.