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Expecting Moms! Beware Of Gestational Diabetes |
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Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition
that occurs during pregnancy. It happens because of carbohydrate
intolerance of variable severity that starts or is first recognized
during pregnancy. It is also called glucose intolerance of pregnancy.
Two to four per cent of all pregnancies get affected by it. It involves
an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child.
It may also be termed as diabetes mellitus, (high blood sugar)
found during pregnancy. Proper diet and exercise can control gestational
diabetes. Normally, this condition goes away after delivery. All
pregnant women should be screened for gestational diabetes during the
24th and 28th weeks of their pregnancy. The symptoms are usually mild
and there is no threat to the life of the pregnant woman.
But,
increased maternal glucose (blood sugar) can result in complications in
the baby including large size at birth, birth trauma, hypoglycemia (low
blood sugar), and jaundice. On rare occasions, fetus dies in the womb
late in the pregnancy.
Maintaining control of blood sugar levels
reduces the risk to the baby. Its symptoms are similar to other diabetes
symptoms such as, increased thrust, excess urination, weight loss,
fatigue and alike. Nausea, vomiting and frequent infections of bladder,
vagina and skin also indicate the presence of gestational diabetes.
Treatment
usually aims at maintaining blood glucose levels within normal limits
during the duration of the pregnancy and at ensuring the well-being of
the fetus. With the help of electronic fetal monitor baby's normal heart
functioning could be checked.
Dietary management is of crucial
importance to provide adequate calories and nutrients required during
pregnancy and to control blood glucose levels. If dietary management
does not control blood glucose levels within the recommended range,
insulin therapy should be used.
Up
to 40 % of women with gestational diabetes develop full-fledged diabetes
within 5-10 years after delivery. The risk may be increased in obese
women. It may also give way to complications such as low blood glucose
and even death of new born, in extreme cases.
Risk factor for developing this disease is highest among those women who
have a diabetic family history, who have experienced it at previous
pregnancy or suffered miscarriages.
All expecting mothers should
be aware of this disease to ensure a safe delivery for their baby, free
of complications arising out of gestational diabetes.
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