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Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy
When a woman is pregnant, her body changes in a lot of ways. Besides the sudden change in hormone levels, there are also other biological factors that change, such as the blood sugar levels. Put simply, gestational diabetes is not uncommon.
Video: Gestational Diabetes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHS9yaFuVgc
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
As the name indicates, this is the type of diabetes that occurs in women at the time of gestation that is during pregnancy. Pregnancy causes the blood sugar levels to surge in some women which leads to gestational diabetes. In some women, the insulin levels might drop during pregnancy causing the blood sugar levels to increase. Blood sugar levels in the body are normally kept under control by the body’s natural insulin levels.
Gestational diabetes can occur in women who have normally never had diabetes, and it might get resolved after delivery. Women in their second and third trimesters are more prone to gestational diabetes
Causes of Gestational Diabetes
Fluctuation in insulin levels in the body is the main cause of gestational diabetes. During the process of digestion, , carbohydrates from the foods consumed are broken down to glucose (sugars) in order release energy. This energy is used by the human body to carry out daily activities. Under normal conditions insulin produced in the pancreas helps move this sugar to the cells and prevents rise in sugar levels in the body.
During pregnancy, a membrane called placenta is formed that is responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients from mother to the delveloping baby. However, along with its normal function, placenta also releases several hormones that tend to interfere with the natural hormonal mechanisms of the mother's body. It is known to disrupt and interfere with the production of insulin as a result of which there is rise in blood sugar levels devoid of enough insulin to break it down. This is the scenario where a mother may develop gestational diabetes.
Another factor associated with gestational diabetes is weight. It is observed that obesity is closely linked to the body being insulin resistant. If the mother is overweight before conception, she may be a high risk candidate for gestational diabetes. Alternatively, keeping a check on weight gain during pregnancy is equally important.
Are You at Risk of Developing Gestational Diabetes?
One in seven women in India are at a risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy. But some women are more at risk than the others. Here are some factors that increase the risk of gestational diabetes:
High BMI: Those who were overweight before pregnancy are more at risk. Women gain extra weight during pregnancy, and already being overweight only makes it difficult for the body to regulate the blood sugar levels.
Rapid Weight Gain During Pregnancy: While the exact relationship between weight gain and gestational diabetes is not clear, experts opine that it is caused by an increase in insulin resistance by affecting the beta cells in the pancreas which are responsible for insulin production. The capacity of the beta cells to secrete insulin reduces, leading to gestational diabetes.
Family Medical History : A family history of diabetes type II, especially if a sibling or the mother had it makes the mother a promising candidate for acquring gestational diabetes in her pregnancy.
Previous Pregnancy History: If you've had diabetes in your past pregnancies, doctors keep you under strict vigilance and monitor you blood sugar levels regularly as the chances of it resurfacing is quite likely.
Age: People who are 25 years or older are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes. Infact, higher the age higher are the chances of susceptibility to gestational diabetes.
Other Medical Conditions: Women with PCOS or a history of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) are susceptible to gestational diabetes as one of the symptomps of this disorder includes increased probability of insulin resistance.
Can I Lower My Chances of Getting Gestational Diabetes?
Whether you belong to the category of women who are at higher risk for gestational diabetes or not, you can definitely lower the risk of acquiring it. Working on your diet and exercise routines can help. Here are some steps to take:
Include more dietary fibre in your meals: This can be done by increasing the intake of whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits. Increasing the daily fibre intake by 10 gm can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by around 26%.
Say no to unhealthy food : Cut down the intake of sweet foods and those that are carb-laden. Stay away from unhealthy nibbling to tackle hunger pangs.
Eating frequency: Eating frequent small meals would be a healthier choice than eating large portions in one meal.
Choose wisely: Include a variety of foods so that you get a fair share of all the required daily nutrients in your diet.
Include physical activity in your routine: Staying active can help reduce the risk of diabetes during pregnancy. Swimming and walking are the two most recommended choices for pregnant women. Mild exercises can be chosen based on your health and on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Always consult your doctor before finalising your exercise routine.
Keep a weight check: Maintaining a healthy weight before and after pregnancy is crucial in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels.
Common Signs and Symptoms
There are not many pronounced symptoms that can indicate gestational diabetes,and hence your doctor would suggest a complete health check up at around 24-28th week of your pregnancy as this is the period where women are most likely to be diagnosed with high blood sugar levels. In case you are already at risk owing to factors listed above, this screening is suggested much earlier. However, here are some signs that might come as a warning and if you encounter them, do seek a medical intervention immediately:
Feeling thirsty too often even after adequate consumption of water and other fluids.
Frequent urination.
Feeling excessively exhausted (pregnancy, the third trimester in general, can leave women tired, but unexplained tiredness even when your activity levels are less throughout the day might indicate a possibility of gestational diabetes.)
Dryness of the mouth.
Blurriness in the vision.
Frequent infections .
Several conditions that are common during pregnancy might be signs of gestational diabetes. Pregnancy and diabetes together can leave the pregnant
mother exhausted. Usually, screening for gestational diabetes is done during the second trimester. However, if any of the above-mentioned symptoms are more pronounced, you might want to discuss them with your gynaecologist to decide if you need to be screened for diabetes.
How Does Gestational Diabetes Affect Pregnancy?
Mother's blood sugar level usually restores to normal after their delivery. However , there are certain risks that are prevalant during pregnancy that you must be cautious about.
Preeclampsia: Gestational diabetes impacts are experienced by both the mother and the baby if the condition is not treated. One of the commonly associated side effect of untreated gestational diabetes is preeclampsia. This is a condition which is said to occur mostly in the final trimester. The two main characteristics of preeclampsia include elevated protein levels in the urine which can be found in a routine test and the rise in blood pressure. The condition worsens if not treated on time. The harmful effects include preterm labor and also miscarriage in some rare cases.
Stillbirth: The risk increases when the pregnant mother diagnosed with gestational diabetes carries the baby for more than 40 weeks. In this case the risk of stillbirth increases.
Developing type II diabetes: These are the mothers who are very likely to develop type II diabetes as they grow old.
All the above mentioned complications only indicate the risks that are associated with the untreated cases. Gestational diabetes simply increases the vulnerability to several conditions. But a proper diet and exercise routine can help in most cases.
How Gestational Diabetes Affects the Baby
Sometimes, the effects of gestational diabetes on the baby might be slightly more severe than on the mother. When the placenta interferes with the insulin levels, it in turn, gets affected by the elevated blood sugar levels. In most cases, women with gestational diabetes who receive treatment on time have healthy babies, but leaving the condition untreated might have some impact on the baby:
Macrosomia: Elevated sugar levels in the mother’s blood are passed on to the baby. higher sugar levels in baby’s blood causes baby’s pancreas to react by secreting higher levels of insulin. This sometimes leads to macrosomia, a condition where the foetus weighs 9 pounds or more. Such cases might call for a C-section. If delivered normally, the baby might suffer from minor injuries, birth trauma or shoulder dystocia.
Hypoglycemic baby: Babies might be born with low blood sugar, also called hypoglycaemia, due to the surge in insulin levels.
Breathing problems: Some babies born to a mother with gestational diabetes experience slight difficulties in breathing. Some even acquire respiratory distress syndrome where additional oxygen supply may have to be provided to the baby after birth.
Nutrient deficiency: The baby might carry low levels of magnesium and calcium which may cause spasms, cramps, jitters. These can be tackled with suitable supplements.
Risk of jaundice: These babies are at a higher risk of developing jaundice after birth. This can easily be treated but might make the baby feel weak. The baby may need immediate medical attention.
Type II diabetes: The babies might be at a higher risk of developing type II diabetes when they grow up.
Remember that these are only the extreme effects of the condition. In many cases, babies stay unaffected by mother’s diabetes. A safe option would be to identify the problem at the earliest and keep the blood sugar levels within normal levels not only to ensure your health, but that of your baby too.
Screening Guidelines for Gestational Diabetes
In most cases, gestational diabetes test is performed between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. . Here are the two main tests that help find if the mother has high or low blood sugar during pregnancy. Follow-up tests and additional screening might be added as required based on the results.
Screening glucose challenge test (GCT)- non-fasting test
The patient who appears for this test is given an oral glucose solution. One hour later, a blood sample is drawn to evaluate the blood glucose levels. Higher levels indicate an inability to process the glucose consumed and the patient would be advised to take the OGTT.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing (OGTT)- fasting test
The patient needs to appear empty stomach for this test. A blood sample is drawn, and the patient is given an oral glucose solution. A second blood sample is drawn one hour later and the third one, after another hour. The test takes 2 hours to perform, and the patient is advised not to eat or drink anything in the interval. This helps ensure accurate results. If the blood glucose levels fall in the gestational diabetes range, the patient might be prescribed medications or put be put on a diet.
Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes
Right at the beginning of pregnancy, the doctor asks the mother-to-be a few questions regarding medical and family history to rule out the risks of gestational diabetes. Throughout the pregnancy, any warning signs are monitored and evaluated. If nothing appears abnormal, the routine GCT is prescribed at the right time. The test results help diagnose gestational diabetes.
Treatment of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes can be easily managed by making simple lifestyle changes. . A fibre-rich, low-carb diet consumed as frequent small portions might help alleviate the blood glucose levels. Based on the results of the OGTT, the doctor might also suggest mild exercises. The blood sugar levels will be tested again after a gap to check for any difference. If the levels fall back to normal, you will simply be advised to continue your diet and exercises. The doctor might keep a check on your f the baby's health periodically. If the blood sugar levels don’t drop to normal, you might be prescribed medications or insulin shots to bring it down.
How to Control Sugar Level During Pregnancy
The simple way to control your sugar level is to work on your diet. Tweaks to what you eat and when you eat go a long way in improving your general health during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes diet plan-
here is a sample of how your diet plan should ideally be like:
Breakfast
· 2 to 3 carbohydrate choices (30 to 45 grammes)
· protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, peanut butter)
· vegetable or fat, freely
Lunch
· 3 to 4 carbohydrate choices (45 to 60 grammes)
· protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, peanut butter)
· vegetable or fat, freely
Dinner
· 3 to 4 carbohydrate choices (45 to 60 grammes)
· protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, peanut butter)
· vegetable or fat, freely
Morning Snack:
· 1 to 2 carbohydrate choices (15 to 30 grammes)
· protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, peanut butter)
· vegetable or fat, freely
Afternoon Snack:
· 1 to 2 carbohydrate choices (15 to 30 grammes)
· protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, peanut butter)
· vegetable or fat, freely
Evening Snack:
· 1 to 2 carbohydrate choices (15 to 30 grammes)
· protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, peanut butter)
· vegetable or fat, freely
Source: https://www.allinahealth.org/health-conditions-and-treatments/health-library/patient-education/gestational-diabetes/healthy-eating-physical-activity-stress-management/basic-meal-planning/
Your dietician might however prescribe a personalised diet chart based on your test results.
Blood Glucose Levels for Pregnant Women
Ideal blood glucose levels differ for pregnant women who had diabetes before they got pregnant and for women with gestational diabetes. Here is a general guideline on blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Do remember that every pregnancy is different and your doctor is the best person to take a call on your health.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/gestational-diabetes-guide/normal-blood-sugar-levels-chart-pregnant-women.
How Can One Prevent Gestational Diabetes?
.Being aware and equipped with all pre-requisite information is the first step towards prevention. Not only will it help you understand all the risk factors involved but alsoprepare you for what lies ahead. Talk to your doctor about your medical history to rule out any risks, and screen for diabetes at early stages, if required. Be stringent about the diet and exercise plan prescribed for you to maintain normal sugar level during pregnancy. Sweet cravings are common in some women but unhealthy snacks and a high-sugar diet will do more harm than good.
What Happens to Mom and Baby After Delivery?
In most cases, nothing! The mother gets back to her usual healthy self, and the blood sugar levels drop back to normal, and the baby is healthy and happy. But in the worst cases where the damage is severe due to very high blood sugar levels, late diagnosis, or if the mother’s body did not respond well to the medication, the effects might be seen on the mother and the baby. Subsequent tests might be scheduled for both to rule out the occurrence of type II diabetes in the mother and hypoglycaemia in the baby.
It is important to strive to maintain a healthy weight and to continue healthy diet and exercise habits after delivery too. This helps reduce the risk of developing diabetes in later stages of life and during the next pregnancy. Do not skip the follow-up sessions for yourself as well as for the baby after delivery. Continue breastfeeding while also ensuring that you consume a nutrient-rich diet. This will help achieve optimum weight and ensure the best health of the mother and the baby. Read more
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Interesting Facts About Giraffe (the Tallest Mammal) for Kids
The tallest animals in the world, giraffes are native to the continent of Africa. Did you know that in ancient times, giraffes were called Camelopards? This is because giraffes look like camels due to their long legs and necks, but have the colour pattern of leopards. Let us find out some more interesting things that we can learn about giraffes.
Facts About Giraffe for Children
Below are some facts about giraffes that describe how unique and interesting they are.
1. Where are giraffes found?
As already mentioned, giraffes are found in Africa. In fact, there are various types of giraffes that are spread across the continent. Different types of giraffes are found in different locations in Africa. Countries where giraffes are found, include Chad, Sudan, Niger, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. They prefer hot and dry climates, but during this time they have to live near trees. However, during the wet or rainy season, giraffes are found all over the place. The specific conditions that animals live in are known as its habitat. If you are teaching about giraffe habitats to kids, you can tell them that they live in savannas, grasslands and open woodlands. Giraffes often live in open forests as well.
2. What do giraffes eat and drink?
Giraffes usually obtain their food by roaming around their habitats. They prefer the shoots and leaves of the Acacia tree, but they consume other types of plants as well. They generally eat leaves, vines, herbs and other soft vegetable matter. Even though many people believe this fact, giraffes don’t like to eat grass.
Giraffes spend most of their time looking for food and eating it. Giraffes drink water sparingly. They only drink once in a few days, which means they don’t have to live near water bodies like ponds and lakes. In fact, giraffe’s can go three weeks without drinking water, while camels can only go for two weeks!
Giraffes belong to the same family as cows and deer, which makes them part of the ruminant family. Ruminants are animals who chew their food, swallow it, digest it partially, then bring it back to their mouths for more chewing.
3. How do they look?
An adult giraffe is around five to six meters in height, that is sixteen to twenty feet. This means they are as tall as an electricity pole, making them the tallest animal on earth. Male giraffes weigh around 1,300 kg while female giraffes weight around 830 kg.
The coat of a giraffe is a pattern made out of brown patches with yellow or orange hair in between. This helps them stay disguised in the grassy areas of their habitats. The fur of the giraffe has many chemicals that help them fight parasites and infections.
Why do giraffes have long necks? The neck of a giraffe is often more than two meters long. This is because having a long neck helps them reach food in tall trees. Giraffes also have two small horns on their heads, which are called ossicones.
Endangered Giraffe Species
Endangered species means animals which are in danger of dying out. Some types of giraffes, like the Rothschild’s giraffe and the West African giraffe, are endangered.
Other Fun Facts About Giraffe
Here are some other fun bits of giraffe information for kids:
Giraffes have been living on this planet for more than thirty million years.
A giraffe’s tongue is very long, at nearly two feet in length. This allows it to clean its ears with its tongue.
A giraffe’s heart is very large, at least ten kg in weight and around two feet in length.
A giraffe can kick with such great force that they can kill lions. This is the method it uses to protect itself from attacks from predators.
Giraffes’ brown spots get darker as they age. If a giraffe’s spots are darker, it means they are older than other giraffes.
Giraffe’s do not require much sleep. They sleep less than thirty minutes a day, and in a standing position!
A newborn giraffe can be nearly six feet in height, and weight more than seventy kg. This is bigger than a full grown adult human being.
Giraffes run at a speed of 60 km per hour, making them faster than horses who can only run at 50 km per hour.
All giraffes have a different pattern of spots on their body, meaning no two giraffes are the same. This means every giraffe can be recognized by its appearance very easily by other giraffes.
Giraffes usually sleep while they are in a standing position.
A baby giraffe can stand up and walk as soon as it is born.
Earlier people believed that giraffes never made any sounds, but now we know that they make many different kinds of sounds that human ears are unable to pick up.
Giraffes have several predators in their habitats, that is lions, hyenas, wild dogs, leopards and crocodiles.
Male giraffes use the horns on their head, called ossicones, to fight with other male giraffes.
Giraffes only eat plant food, making them herbivores.
Giraffes can eat more than forty kg of food every single day!
Giraffes live in groups of fifteen members, which are known as towers. Towers are led by one adult male.
Since giraffes drink very little water, they get most of their water from the plants and shoots they eat.
Giraffes have large eyes with excellent colour vision, which allows them to see any predators before being attacked.
The legs of giraffes are taller than most humans, at around seven feet tall.
Giraffes live for around twenty-five years in the wild. Interestingly, they have been known to live longer in captivity, reaching forty years of age.
Giraffes are beautiful animals with many unique characteristics. In addition to being the tallest mammal, they are also faster than horses. However, the number of giraffes has been reducing for the past twenty years. There were around 140,000 giraffes in the world in 2000, but now that number is around 80,000.
Also Read: Peacock Facts for Kids Read more
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Is Comparison a Boon, or a Curse?
Kirti, how old is your baby a women asked me yesterday when I was having a walk in my society? I told she is 16 months the response was a shock she doesn't look like a 16 month and why she is not running? That women commented along with sarcasm concluding that her daughter started everything in 11 months.
Is your baby sitting, walking, running and talking? If yes then it's late. Our's did it very early and if no what kind of mother you are? Every child is different and have their own schedule of their activities. They should not be compared with anyone not in the family, surroundings or any where else.Not even this when babies grows to kids they are being compared on studies, games and everything.
This is so common in our society and it is growing day by day. This comparison has led our lives to be a race in which no one has time for themselves. Since birth every child is compared with siblings at home or relatives or neighbours then schoolmates then college mates and then with their colleagues.
Do you think comparison is good for healthy competition? Each baby or child has a schedule to reach a milestone which they will achieve sooner or later. It's better to give them time to achieve.
Why there is a need of comparison at every levels? Firstly babies are compared then this get extended to school then college then job then marriage then their kids are compared it's like a cycle going on.
It would be great if everyone start polishing their child with his or her wish and not what the others are doing.
No one is same every person has his own identity and talent.
Comparison in mind makes our future generations not human beings.
Spread this word and share your views.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. it's a natural process ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
5 hours ago
Q. I’m in my 31 week 1 day of pregnancy. What will be my delivery date??
As I have low lying placenta with grade 1 maturity.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. you had to correlate is ultrasound examination. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
5 hours ago
Q. My hemoglobin is 6.4 from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Now I’m 31 weeks pregnant. What should I do?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. Haven’t when you having some kind of iron supplement because they’re very good during the time of pregnancy if you are not having one you need to start with and whatever tabs you take you should just take it with any good juice specially pomegranate juice that’s going to help in doubling the impact of the medicine that you’re taking secondly try and include more of Iron which diet like spinach broccoli beetroot pomegranate black rice sweet potato these things are exceptionally healthy for you to consume
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
4 hours ago
Q. This is my cbc report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. No there is nothing visible on my wall so I can really really cannot help you can you please repose the question once again providing all the necessary details as once I’m certain what are you talking about what’s mentioned in the report according to that I can provide you proper help on your question
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
now I'm 24 weeks. Sometimes I'm feeling pain in my thigh.
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. For thegh query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Onlfine consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
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