Metformin and Pregnancy

Metformin is a prescription medication that is very often included as a form of treatment therapy for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ( PCOS), and many of these patients wonder about the possible harmful relationships between Metformin and pregnancy. The physical symptoms of PCOS are known to include an excessive increase in weight gain, irregular menstruation cycles, infertility, some types of heart disease and various forms of cancer.

Medical experts have found that women who suffer from PCOS have an increased resistance to insulin. This resistance leads to the other afflictions, including weight gain, since insulin is a natural appetite inducer. Although it is always recommended to consult your physician about all medications that are being ingested during pregnancy, most medical experts do not see a significant threat from Metformin during pregnancy.

In fact, the relationship between Metformin and pregnancy is thought to be quite beneficial. Women who suffer from PCOS will often exhibit an abnormally high increase in their endocrine levels which result in the infertility and menstruation irregularities. Metformin helps to stabilize these levels and to optimize the ability to conceive. In fact, of all the possible insulin regulatory medications, Metformin is often the first choice for prescribing physicians.

One of the most significant benefits is that the ingestion of Metformin during pregnancy can even lower the possibilities for miscarriage in women with PCOS. In many cases, the prescribing doctor will allow the new mother to continue the treatment program for up to the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. There is thought to be no sufficient risk for potential birth defects.

Dosages will typically begin with Metformin 500 mg. In women with PCOS, it is generally prescribed twice daily with food, perhaps increasing to Metformin 500 mg three times per day. The treatment program may take as long as 4 months before the patient begins to witness a stabilization in the ovulation effects which enhances the ability to become pregnant.

Metformin and pregnancy is thought to be a safe and effective medical therapy, although there is the possibility for some uncomfortable side effects. These tend to wear off after the first preceding weeks of the initial prescribing of Metformin and are considered very manageable in most cases. Side effects might include nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, lack of focus, mood swings, diarrhea, fluctuation and severe headaches, but no potential harm to the fetus is thought to be of great concern.