Comprehensive Analysis of Psychological, Social and Clinical Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Pregnancy: Insights From the Born in Bradford Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presents complex challenges during pregnancy, affecting both maternal and neonatal health. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the demographic, social and clinical dimensions of PCOS in pregnancy, utilising data from the Born in Bradford (BiB) cohort. Methods A retrospective cohort study used data from the BiB cohort, including pregnant women with PCOS and a control group. Demographic, social, and clinical characteristics were analysed, with data collected from electronic health records, maternal questionnaires, and medical records. The General Health Questionnaire‐28 (GHQ‐28) assessed overall well‐being and psychological distress. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Fischer's exact tests, independent t ‐tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and logistic regression analysis. Results The study included 279 pregnant women diagnosed with PCOS and 10,284 controls. After adjusting for age, women with PCOS had significantly higher GHQ‐28 scores than controls ( β = 2.65, SD = 0.86, p = 0.002). PCOS was associated with significantly increased odds of pre‐eclampsia (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.18–3.71, p = 0.01) and gestational hypertension (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.19–2.38, p = 0.005). However, after adjusting for BMI, the association between PCOS and pre‐eclampsia was no longer significant, though mediation analysis confirmed that BMI played a significant mediating role. Infants born to mothers with PCOS had significantly higher odds of stillbirth (OR: 4.93, 95% CI: 1.92–12.62, p = 0.005) and lower overall birth weights. A gender‐stratified analysis showed that the reduction in birth weight was particularly pronounced in female infants (3164.5 ± 535.7 g vs. 3011.2 ± 581.0 g; p = 0.004), whereas no significant difference was observed in male infants ( p > 0.05). Conclusion The findings underscore the importance of considering demographic, social, and clinical factors in the management of pregnant women with PCOS.