W10-L4: Health During Pregnancy

Question 1

What are Gestational Diabetes?

Answer 1

• A form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy
• Affects about 3-20% of pregnancies, depending on the population and screening practices
• Can affect both maternal and fetal health if mismanaged

Question 2

What causes Gestational Diabetes?

Answer 2

Hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to increased insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels due to inadequate insulin response

Question 3

What are Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes?

4

Answer 3

• Obesity: Higher BMI increases risk
• Age: Women >35 are at greater risk
• Family History: Genetic predisposition to diabetes
• Ethnicity: Higher rates in Indigenous populations, South Asian, and Hispanic women

Question 4

What 2 Methods are used to
Diagnose Gestational Diabetes?

Answer 4

1. Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)
2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Question 5

What is the Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)?

Answer 5

Typically done between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy

• Drink 50g glucose in 5 minutes & after 1 hour blood draw – normal result BG < 7.8mmol/L

Question 6

What is the
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)?

Answer 6

Confirmatory test if GCT is abnormal

• 75 grams of glucose and 2 x blood draws over 2 hours

FAIL = GESTATIONAL DIABETES

Question 7

What are the Maternal health risks of Gestational Diabetes?

Answer 7

Short-term Risks:

• Increased risk of high blood pressure & preeclampsia

Long-term Risks:

• Higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes later

Question 8

What are the Fetal health risks of Gestational Diabetes?

3

Answer 8

• Macrosomia
• Neonatal Hypoglycaemia
• Increased Risk of Obesity and Diabetes: Long-term health implications for the child.

Question 9

What is Macrosomia?

Answer 9

Larger-than-normal baby, leading to delivery complications

Question 10

What is Neonatal Hypoglycaemia?

Answer 10

Baby may experience low blood sugar after birth

Question 11

What are the 4 Ways to Manage G-Diabetes?

Answer 11

• Dietary Changes: balanced meals w/ controlled carbs
• Regular exercise to improve insulin sensitivity
• Monitoring: Regular blood sugar checks & prenatal visits
• Medication: insulin may be prescribed if blood sugars cannot be controlled through diet and exercise

can disappear after pregnancy

Question 12

DNTK

PREGNANCY WITH MULTIPLES

Answer 12