How has PCOS been a challenge with my pregnancy?
Well .... I haven't noticed much of a difference at all.
I chose a natural approach to pregnancy and childbirth with the Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth.
Why natural childbirth? Well, because since I've begun this journey, I've found that it's the natural way in almost every case that has been successful in my life. I was on drugs for years that did absolutely NOTHING for me and my PCOS. So why should I think that for my pregnancy and delivery? Oh yes, I'll take the drugs and not worry about anything until the doctors tell me to. That's a recipe for disaster.
I came across the Bradley Method while doing research about how my diet should be altered during pregnancy. The Bradley Method recommends the Brewer diet which was strikingly similar to the diet that I was already on. I immediately purchased "Husband Coached Childbirth" by Dr. Bradley and read it cover to cover ... then made my husband read it as well. :) ... After that, we signed up for a 12 week Bradley Course with a local teacher!
From there, I was convinced, this was definitely my path. ... Everyone I had spoken to about labor had HORRIBLE things to say, even though they had an epidural. ... That is until I started reading birthing stories from women on the web who used natural childbirth .. They had wonderful things to say about the experience. They said that by knowing what was happening during the process and by managing the pain themselves, they felt like they were in control of what was happening and weren't left to the mercy of the doctors.
So what does the Brewer diet recommend?
PROTEIN!!!! That sounds familiar doesn't it.
80-100g of protein a day (Because studies show that protein keeps a healthy pregnancy and prevents pre-eclampsia).
2 farm fresh eggs (Cholesterol contained in them help build babies brains)
4 servings of Dairy (for the calcium and protein)
Lots of fruits and vegetables
5 servings of whole grain a day (turns out that isn't a lot and easily doable)
Green Leafy Vegetables (the vitamin C strengthens the placenta, membranes of waters, and cervix)
.... amongst other suggestions.
This diet has been so easy to alter to. AND THE BEST PART IS ... my doctors have had nothing to say about my health up to this point. My weight gain is appropriate, blood pressure is perfect, no iron deficiency, no UTIs, baby weight is perfect, uterine measurement is spot on, and the list keeps going.
I have less than two months left and the doctors have kept me in the green ... this is all due to the education I received in my 12 week Bradley Course, the books I've read, and the commitment I have for staying on track.
I am set up for an uncomplicated delivery, a speedy recovery, and a VERY HAPPY BABY EVAN!
