[Health Check!] Irregular Periods and Weight Gain? Health Signs to Check Before Pregnancy

October 10: "Pregnant Women's Day"
"Regular gynecological checkups are needed before pregnancy"

For a healthy pregnancy and childbirth, it is important to manage not only uterine and ovarian health but also menstrual cycles, weight, and hormonal changes before becoming pregnant. Uterine fibroids and endometriosis can increase the risk of infertility and miscarriage, while obesity can lead to complications such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, making it a particular cause for concern.

According to industry sources on October 10, the main gynecological conditions that can affect pregnancy include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and menstrual disorders. Women planning to become pregnant should therefore have regular gynecological checkups to determine in advance whether they have any of these conditions and whether treatment is needed.

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus and are common among women of reproductive age. Having fibroids does not necessarily make it difficult to become pregnant, but their size, location, and number can affect conception and the ability to maintain a pregnancy.

Submucosal fibroids, which protrude into the uterine cavity, can interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg and may be associated with infertility or recurrent miscarriage. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause fibroids to grow or become painful. In some cases, they can also increase the likelihood of preterm birth, placental abnormalities, or cesarean delivery. Women planning to become pregnant should have an ultrasound to check the size and location of fibroids and determine whether treatment is needed. Even when surgery is required, the decision should take into account plans for pregnancy and the condition of the uterus.

Endometriosis is another major condition that can affect pregnancy. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation and adhesions, and can lead to severe menstrual cramps or pelvic pain. If an endometrioma develops on an ovary or adhesions form around the fallopian tubes, becoming pregnant naturally may be more difficult.

Some studies have reported that women with endometriosis face increased risks of early miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, gestational hypertension, and preterm birth. However, not all patients develop complications. When preparing for pregnancy, women should have their condition assessed comprehensively, taking into account its severity, ovarian function, and age. Those taking hormone therapy should consult their healthcare providers about whether their medication needs to be adjusted.

Changes in the menstrual cycle should also be monitored closely. Menstrual periods that are highly irregular, a sudden increase in bleeding, or prolonged absence of periods may signal an ovulatory disorder or hormonal imbalance.

Menstrual disorders can result from stress, sudden weight changes, and excessive exercise, as well as conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and thyroid disease. Irregular or absent ovulation, in particular, can reduce the chances of pregnancy. Excessively heavy periods can also cause iron-deficiency anemia, which may affect pregnancy and childbirth.

Obesity is another important risk factor to manage before pregnancy. Excess body fat can cause insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances, increasing the risk of ovulatory disorders and infertility. After becoming pregnant, obesity also raises the risks of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and giving birth to a macrosomic baby.

Maintaining a healthy weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure before pregnancy can help reduce the risk of these complications. However, women should avoid trying to lose weight or exercising excessively during pregnancy. It is important to determine and manage an appropriate range of weight gain based on pre-pregnancy weight and the stage of pregnancy.

Park Jeonghyeon, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, said, "Women preparing for pregnancy should take a comprehensive look at the condition of their uterus and ovaries, their menstrual cycles, and their weight, and monitor their health through regular gynecological care."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.