MOTHER CARE

MOTHER  CARE

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2% to 5% of expectant mothers in the country develop gestational diabetes. To know more about this common diabetic problem affecting mothers during pregnancy

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HOW PREVALENT IS GESTATIONAL DIABETES IN THIS DAY AND AGE?

Gestational diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent among pregnant women owing to dramatic lifestyle changes which result in dietary changes.  It is a condition where a woman exhibits high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.  It is important to realize that pregnancy is a precious and critical phase in a woman’s life and the need to exercise and eat the right food throughout the nine months of pregnancy, is imperative at this stage. 

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH IT?

During pregnancy, when the mother’s sugar level is high, it interferes with the growth and maturity of the baby.  The last three months of pregnancy are crucial and if the sugar levels are high at this stage, it will lead to health complications in the new born baby.  The baby may develop prolonged jaundice, respiratory distress syndrome or Neonatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar in the newborn).

After pregnancy, there is a 30% to 50% chance for the mother to develop diabetes later in life.

WHAT CAUSES GESTATIONAL DIABETES IN WOMEN? HOW CAN IT BE CONTROLLED?

There are no specific reasons behind the onset of gestational diabetes.  During pregnancy, several hormones are released inside the mother’s body.

The placenta, a temporary organ joining the mother and the fetus, releases sugar during pregnancy.  So the mother’s body which is already processing sugar from external sources, receives more sugar from here.  Therefore, it is important to control blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

This can be done only by eating quality food.  One of the myths associated with pregnancy is that eating a lot of food is good for the mother.  It is not quantity but quality that matters at this stage.  People do not know that fats and carbohydrates also release a lot of sugar.

WHAT ARE THE METHODS TO DIAGNOSE GESTATIONAL DIABETES?  ONCE DIAGNOSED, WHAT IS THE CURE?

It is important to go for pre-conception counseling in order to understand how to be healthy during pregnancy.  Since the placenta itself increases blood sugar levels.  It is called Glucose Screening Test.  Give mothers 50gms of glucose and conduct a blood test to examine how they reduce glucose levels.  If the readings are abnormal, conduct a Glucose Tolerance Test,  examine how efficiently 100 grams of glucose is broken down in the body.  If the mother is diagnosed with gestational diabetes, recommend healthy food and exercise.  Sometimes also recommend insulin injections.

Sources: Times of India