Diagnosed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Associated Severe Maternal Morbidity.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Women with prepregnancy polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may face higher risks during pregnancy, yet evidence on its link to severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is limited. This population-based study addresses these gaps.

Design

This was a population-based cohort study using linked administrative health data from Ontario, Canada. All hospital livebirths and stillbirths 2006-2021, in women aged 15-50 years were included.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

PCOS was identified using a validated algorithm combining diagnostic codes for PCOS or hirsutism with irregular menses. Among 1,596,228 pregnancies, 110,910 (6.9%) had prior PCOS, diagnosed a median 11 years before delivery.

Results

Women with PCOS were older and more often obese. SMM occurred in

SUBMITTER: Hincapie MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12912763 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature