Mental Problems

• Hypoglycemia – Hypoglycemia is common in the first half of pregnancy, especially in the first quarter. Fortunately, the fetus tolerates well hypoglycemia.

• Retinopathy (retinal damage)
Retinopathy is already present in many women at the beginning of pregnancy, and can progress in line is advanced. Regular ophthalmoscopy is therefore important. Paradoxically, the progression of retinopathy may be related to the initiation of a strict metabolic control. When neovascularization, photocoagulation can be controlled, and is not therefore an indication for termination of pregnancy.

* Nephropathy (kidney damage)
Diabetic nephropathy in pregnancy is defined as the presence during the first half of pregnancy proteinuria (presence of protein in the urine) is persistent, more than 400 mg in 24 hours, in the absence of infection.

Many patients also have high blood pressure and other complications resulting from kidney damage. These cases require careful monitoring and control of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, with early hospitalization and inducing labor.
Patients with functioning kidney transplants often have successful pregnancies.

FETAL PROBLEMS

* Malformations
Congenital malformations occur in 6-8% of children of diabetic mothers: they are three times more frequent than in the general population. The rate of malformations covers a broad spectrum, but the defects of the neural canal and cardiac injuries are quite common.

Therefore, you should advise the diabetic women to plan their pregnancy and with prior notice, in order to achieve the best possible control before conception takes place. Compliance with this advice may reduce the number of malformations

* Macrosomia (large size newborn)
* Neonates small for gestational age
Although normal in offspring of diabetic mothers is macrosomia, some babies are small for gestational age, due to intrauterine growth retardation. This is more common in diabetic patients with long evolution of vascular complications.

MORTALITY IN NEWBORN

* Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or hyaline membrane disease

When patients routinely pariahs at 36-37 weeks gestation due to lack of maturation of the lungs of the newborn, respiratory disturbance occurred many times it was deadly. Today this problem can be expected to time to avoid many deaths from this cause.

* Hypoglycemia -Neonatal hypoglycaemia is common, especially in children macrosomic. Strict metabolic control of the mother and newborn after birth reduces the frequency and severity of neonatal hypoglycaemia.

No related posts.

Pregnancy progresses, the metabolic adaptation intensifies, reaching great importance during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy. All these metabolic changes lead to a number of considerations when they occur in a diabetic woman:

* In some patients, Diabetes first appears during pregnancy.
* The conventional criteria for diagnosis of diabetes are not applicable during pregnancy
* As the pregnancy progresses there is an increase in insulin needs.
* The usual criteria of strict metabolic control are not applicable during pregnancy

Detection of Diabetes Mellitus (DMG)

The data suggest a DMG are:

* Glycosuria (glucose in urine) in a second fasting urine sample (see below).
* A history of:

* Abortions unexplained.
* Newborns large for gestational age.
* Malformations in the newborn.
* Significant maternal obesity (90 kg or more).

Some minor data are multiparity, toxemia of pregnancy and recurrent preterm birth repeated. The presence of more than one data increases the likelihood that a disorder in glucose metabolism.

Glycosuria (glucose in urine) is a frequent finding, as 15% of pregnant women have, so the search for cases based on this information alone is ineffective. The validity of this test may increase when using a second fasting urine sample, the urine is released into the wake despises and collected a second sample 15 minutes later when the patient is still fasting.

Suspected cases of DMG should be seen every 15 days by the endocrinologist, is working together and the obstetrician. Measures should be taken prenatal routine. There should be special emphasis on weight control. Each visit must be a blood sugar after eating. If this test does not exceed 120 mg / dl), evidence of oral glucose tolerance should be deferred until the 37 th -38 th weeks of gestation, at which time it is more likely to give positive. If at any visit after eating glucose exceeds 120 mg / dl, it should be a test of glucose tolerance without delay. If the test is negative in early pregnancy, however, diagnosis, and the test should be repeated at 37-38 weeks, before making a final decision. Patients who have a negative tolerance test at 37-38 weeks is considered normal.

If the test is positive you can make the diagnosis of gestational diabetes and the patient is given a controlled diet and you are in the same way that a diabetic clinic. If the criteria for ideal glycemic control are not achieved soon, we start treatment with insulin. The existence of a high need for insulin during pregnancy does not necessarily indicate that diabetes persists after birth.

MONITORING OF DMG

After the test should be repeated postpartum glucose tolerance. If the test is still positive, the patient has a diabetes clinic (which was revealed for the first time during pregnancy). If not, the correct diagnosis is gestational diabetes mellitus. As some patients with DM develop clinical DMG then they should be advised to maintain a normal body weight and requested to attend an annual review, or immediately if you become pregnant again.

No related posts.

The first thing couples experiencing a high-risk pregnancy should realize is that most babies born of high-risk pregnancies are born healthy.

When Is a Pregnancy High Risk?
A pregnancy is considered high risk when some kind of medical complication – in either the mother or the fetus – is likely to affect the pregnancy and its outcome. What follows is a list of some of the conditions that are likely to make a pregnancy high risk.
Pre-existing, ongoing medical conditions:
• Infections – AIDS, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts, fifth disease, Lyme disease, rubella, toxoplasmosis, trichomonas, hepatitis B, chicken pox or measles
• Blood disorders – Rh incompatibility, blood type incompatibility, sickle cell anemia or immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• Endocrine disorders – diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or migraine headaches
• Cancer – breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer or lymphoma
• Arthritis conditions – rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• Maternal PKU – a metabolic condition
• Inflammatory bowel disease or gallstones
• Gynecological conditions – endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or uterine fibroids
• Cardiovascular disorders – mitral valve prolapse and hypertension
• Asthma
• Epilepsy
• Urinary tract infection
• Psychiatric disorders
• Any genetic disorder
• A history of miscarriage
Medical conditions caused by pregnancy:
• Multiple gestation – twins, triplets or more
• Gestational diabetes – a condition in which levels of blood sugar are not properly regulated
• Preeclampsia – a disease characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling of face and hands
• Placental abruption – when the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus
• Placenta previa – when the placenta lies low in the uterus and partly or completely covers the opening of the cervix
• Intrauterine growth retardation – when the baby is not growing as rapidly as it should
• Incompetent cervix – when the cervix begins to dilate and efface before the pregnancy has reached term
• Premature labor – when contractions cause the cervix to start opening before 37 weeks
If Your Pregnancy Might Be High Risk:

Genetic counseling is available to couples who think they might be in the high-risk category. A genetic counselor’s job is to help a couple understand the nature of their risk or complication and what it could mean to the pregnancy. If possible, seek genetic counseling before you begin trying to conceive if you:
• Have a pre-existing, ongoing medical condition,
• Know of any genetic disorder in your or your partner’s family or
• Have had a previous high risk pregnancy.

If Your Pregnancy Is High Risk:
When you learn your pregnancy is high risk, you might feel worried and overwhelmed. Talk to your doctor or midwife about your concerns; write questions down as you think of them and bring the list to your next appointment. In the meantime, here are some things you should know:
• About 90-95% of high risk pregnancy babies are born healthy. The earlier the problem is detected during pregnancy, the better the chances for a healthy baby.
• The outcome for mothers with high risk pregancies is very good, especially if the condition is detected early.
• About 5-10% of all pregnancies are considered to be high risk. The rate is much higher in hosptial which specialize in high risk pregnancies.
• Prenatal care will be different with a high risk pregnancy. Depending on the condition, you could be referred to an obstetrician or perinatologists who are professionals who have had two or more additional years of special training to specifically deal with high risk pregnancy situations. Whoever you are referred to should fully explain what your condition is and give you an idea about how common it is and tell you what you can most likely expect for the remainder of your pregnancy.

What You Can Do:

Try not to be frightened by the words high risk pregnancy. Instead, learn as much as you can about your condition. Read up on the subject and ask your doctor questions. The more you know about your condition, the more in control you’ll feel.

Join a mom to be support group for high risk pregnancy. Ask your doctor if he or she can recommend one.

No related posts.

One of the most important aspects of pregnancy that should be paid attention to is proper nutrition. This cannot only be achieved by eating a variety of foods from different food groups but also by taking in prescribed supplementation. Since not all pregnant women are very tuned into eating a broad range of foods that are good sources of crucial nutrients during pregnancy, taking in supplements such as calcium, multivitamins and iron is necessary to support the growing baby inside the womb.

Ideal nourishment

Generally, pregnant women are advised to eat well-balanced meals that comprise of foods coming from all food groups so she can provide the proper nourishment for the baby and herself. Good nutrition by eating healthy foods and a well-balanced diet does not only ensure that the baby gets the nutrients he or she needs but this also help in minimizing some of the pains and discomfort caused by the symptoms of pregnancy.

To achieve optimum nutrition, pregnant women are advised to consume foods that are rich in folate, calcium, iron, vitamins, and minerals that can be found in whole grain breads, pastas, brown rice, fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats and dairy products. The following are just some of the nutrients pregnant women need during the gestation period.

- calories. Pregnant women are advised to take in about 300 extra calories coming from a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains are needed everyday to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

- protein. Protein nourishment is very important during pregnancy because it provides the building blocks for the baby’s growth especially in proper brain development. Pregnant women with diabetes are advised to aim for 30 grams of protein or more daily that should come from various animal and dairy products such as cheese, eggs, fish, chicken, beef, lamb, yogurt, cereals, grains, pasta, legumes, beans, peanuts, broccoli, peas, and leafy green vegetables.

- Vitamin C. Enough supply of Vitamin C is quiet significant for a pregnant woman because it strengthens her immunity and helps in building strong collagen, bone and teeth for the growing baby. Since Vitamin C cannot be restored in the body, a fresh supply is needed daily to ensure that the mother gets enough of this nutrient. Excellent Vitamin C sources include green leafy and yellow vegetable as well as yellow fruits.

- calcium. For bone and tooth formation, calcium intake is another significant nutrient pregnant woman should increase. Experts say that about 1,200 mg of calcium daily is recommended for lactation and pregnancy. Calcium sources include dairy products and green leafy vegetables.

- iron. Iron is a very important mineral needed to avoid the possibility of iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy. The recommended iron intake for pregnant women is 30 to 50 mg that should come from lean meats, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, and whole grain cereals. But since it is difficult to get enough iron in diet intake alone, the doctor usually prescribes iron supplement.

Pregnant women with diabetes should be more particular about their eating patterns now more than before because maintaining proper levels of glucose can highly contribute to the overall of both mother and child.

No related posts.

During the course of the pregnancy, the mother and the baby need all the energy and nutrients they can get. Pregnancy is indeed not the time to lose weight or go on a diet because having a nutritionally sound diet can increase the chances for the baby to have a normal birth weight, proper brain development, and reduce the risk of certain birth defects. All these and more should be of topmost consideration for pregnant women who have diabetes.

What you need to know

Diabetes has three types, the “type 1 diabetes” which is the least common type but predominantly diagnosed among kids and teens, the “type diabetes” which is the most common to all ages and the “gestational diabetes” which are common for women once they get pregnant. It can be said that among these three types of diabetes, “gestational diabetes” is the easiest to deal with because it usually ends once the woman gives birth. However, this is not always the case because there are also those that continue to suffer from the disease that can lead to “type 2 diabetes” if not monitored and given proper medical attention immediately.

Although almost pregnant women are expected to suffer from gestational diabetes at one point during their pregnancy, there are also those who suffer from it even before they conceive. In this scenario, dealing with diabetes can be harder and much more complicated. But now, with the help of modern technology and advances in the field of medical research, pregnancy for women who are diabetics is fairly easier and lesser risk when it comes to the overall health of the baby and the mother as well.

First things first

For women who are diagnosed with diabetes, getting pregnant should be an utmost decision to make. This is because it will greatly determine not just the baby’s health but the woman’s overall health condition as well. For women who are planning to get pregnant despite suffering from diabetes, the major consideration to ponder on is the readiness of the woman’s body. This is very important to ensure that the woman can meet all the challenges and difficulties that goes with pregnancy.

To know if the woman’s body is ready for pregnancy despite diabetes, she should undergo a thorough physical examination administered by a licensed physician. This is very important because the physician can tell if the body is ready for the demands of pregnancy and labor and the possible complications that might occur along the way.

Experts say that pregnant women who have diabetes will most likely develop related complications such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, kidney disease, autonomic neuropathy or nerve damage to the internal organs, and cardiovascular diseases.

What you can do

With proper daily management, many women were able to have successful deliveries. The following are just some of the things that helped them along the way:

- frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG);

- administering insulin injections and identifying how to adjust the doses depending on results of their SMBG;

- controlling and treatment of hypoglycemia;

- maintaining an appropriate level of regular exercise or physical activities; and an

- appropriate meal plan specially designed for women who have diabetes.

No related posts.

What you can do

For a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy, it is ideal to maintain an appropriate weight gain, average consumption of various foods from different food groups, timely and prescribed vitamin and mineral supplementation, and lots of fluid intake. Sweets and fats should also be kept to a minimum level of consumption. The following are just some of the guidelines that pregnant women with diabetes can use to achieve healthy pregnancy despite the chronic disease:

1. Follow the appropriate meal plan religiously. More than ever, pregnant women should pay attention to what they eat and their eating patterns in general. This is very important because this stage—pregnancy itself—requires strict control of blood glucose levels in order to ensure that both the mother and baby are getting the right amount of key nutrients needed. In coming up with the right diet plan, it is best to seek the help of diabetes educator or a licensed dietitian to create the necessary adjustments needed to accommodate the needs not only of the fetus inside the womb but of the mother as well. In your meal plan, take note of calorie, carbohydrates and protein requirements every day because these will help you maintain normal blood glucose levels.

2. Regular Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose or SMBG. Experts say that the only way to tell if the woman is successful in controlling her blood glucose is by monitor their levels by themselves regularly. Since being pregnant is a sensitive condition, soon to be mothers should monitor their blood glucose levels more frequently. Ideally, SMBG should be monitored four to 10 times a day.

3. Knowledge in administering insulin injections and adjusting the doses based on the results of SMBG. Sufficient supply of insulin is very crucial for pregnant women so they must know how to administer insulin injections by themselves in case no one is around when they need it. They should also ask from their physician how to adjust the doses of insulin after they are through with the SBMG. Knowing how to adjust the doses of insulin needed is very important to ensure that the body’s supply of insulin is stable.

4. Treating or controlling hypoglycemia. Pregnant women who are diabetics are more prone to hypoglycemia because of the hormonal changes in their body. Although studies show that there are no know effects of hypoglycemia in the baby, it is best to control or treat it as soon as possible so the soon to be mom won’t be having troubles during the course of conception.

5. Maintaining regular set of exercise or physical activities. This is also very important for pregnant women with diabetes because through this they can reduce the risk of hypoglycemia as well as being overweight. Since it is hard for pregnant women to do strenuous workouts, it is best to maintain the hobby of having light exercises that will keep the body moving.

No related posts.

Most people felt the millions of changes, which the body goes through during pregnancy – even pass through the lungs, interesting and intelligent modifications to adapt. Indeed, one of the most over weigh aspects of care for pregnant patients is that it is normal to get stressed. This makes it difficult to estimate whether symptom is normal or a problem that requires medication.

The female body adjusts gradually to the development of pregnancy. Because pregnant women increased their weight, the lungs must adapt to the additional work that creates their breathing caused by the increase in weight. Pregnant lady breathe faster than normal, which is normally did not get noticed. The body increases the frequency of what is called the “minute ventilation”.

With the increase in the abdomen, she amended the form of bottom of the chest. Sidecar is separate from the abdomen with a layer of muscle, called the pinhole, which is vital and allows us to breathe. With the increase in their abdomen increases the pressure up to the diaphragm, thus impairing breathing deeply and gradually increase the frequency of breathing. To extend the small chest, ribs dissolve apart.

Remember: Just because you have asthma does not mean that the baby will have – in fact more likely is not. Usually it is possible to take their usual drugs after the birth of the baby, but always consult your doctor. Not only that it is safe to breast-feed your baby, and breastfeeding is also beneficial effect on the immune system of the infant. With the recovery of the body of your pregnancy and the normalization of any changes that are made in the lungs and chest breathing you will return to normal levels.

Suggested Reading:
+ Diabetes in Pregnancy
+ Healthy Pregnancy With Exercise and Yoga
+ Eating to Beat Pregnancy fatigue

No related posts.

Reasons:

First you must know what Diabetes is. Glucose is a form of sugar which is found in many foods, including pastries, pasta, potatoes and bread. The body uses glucose, to be supplied with energy. Glucose is stored in the liver, muscle and fat tissue. Pancreas produces a hormone called insulin (hormones are chemical compounds produced in any part of the body being moved to other parts in order to show its effects there). Insulin is needed to enable glucose to enter the liver, muscle and fat tissues, thus reducing the amount of glucose in the blood. In diabetes blood glucose levels remain abnormally high. In many forms of diabetes that happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Instead, the problem is in the placenta.

During pregnancy the placenta to the baby food supplier gets affected. It also produces a large number of other hormones that affect the normal response of the body to insulin. This condition is called insulin resistance. “Most pregnant ladies do not suffer from diabetes because the pancreas starts to produce additional quantity of insulin to compensate for insulin resistance. But when the pancreas of a woman cannot produce extra insulin, blood sugar remained abnormally high and believes that the woman has diabetes in pregnancy.

Increased risk of developing diabetes in women who

1. Have as obese

2. Have diabetes in the family

3. Have previously wholesale baby with great weight

4. Had dead baby or the baby with the genetic defect

5. Have more than 25 – the age

Symptoms

Most women with diabetes in pregnancy do not have any symptoms, in which we can’t recognize the situation, so it is recommended that all pregnant women take a test for diabetes between 24 and 28 – the week of pregnancy. The symptoms are usually not harmful and not endanger the lives of pregnant:

* Ease of fatigue
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Increased thirst
* Frequent urination
* Blurred vision
* Loss of weight regardless of the increased appetite
* Common infections of the urinary tract, and skin of vagina

Prevention:

There is no known method of prevention of diabetes, mainly because diabetes is due to the effects of normal hormones of pregnancy. But the effect of insulin resistance may be offset by carefully observing the diet, avoidance of overweight lifetime and maintaining a reasonable physical activity.

Suggested Reading:
+ Healthy Pregnancy With Exercise and Yoga
+ Eating to Beat Pregnancy fatigue

No related posts.