Gestational Diabetes Baby Movement

Diabetes Mellitus And Pregnancy

Practice Essentials Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance of variable degree with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. A study by Stuebe et al found this condition to be associated with persistent metabolic dysfunction in women at 3 years after delivery, separate from other clinical risk factors. [1] Infants of mothers with preexisting diabetes mellitus experience double the risk of serious injury at birth, triple the likelihood of cesarean delivery, and quadruple the incidence of newborn intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Gestational diabetes mellitus accounts for 90% of cases of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, while preexisting type 2 diabetes accounts for 8% of such cases. Screening for diabetes mellitus during pregnancy Gestational diabetes The following 2-step screening system for gestational diabetes is currently recommended in the United States: Alternatively, for high-risk women or in areas in which the prevalence of insulin resistance is 5% or higher (eg, the southwestern and southeastern United States), a 1-step approach can be used by proceeding directly to the 100-g, 3-hour OGTT. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for gestational diabetes mellitus after 24 weeks of pregnancy. The recommendation applies to asymptomatic women with no previous diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. [2, 3] The recommendation does not specify whether the 1-step or 2-step screening approach would be preferable. Type 1 diabetes The disease is typically diagnosed during an episode of hyperglycemia, ketosis, and dehydration It is most commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence; the disease is rarely diagnosed during pregnancy Patients diagnosed during pregnancy most often present with unexpected Continue reading >>

Conditions To Be Aware Of

We have listed below some common conditions that you may come across during your pregnancy. These conditions, if undetected could become serious and could risk the health and well being of baby and/or expectant Mum. Our intention is not to scare you but by being aware of common conditions and their symptoms we aim to give you knowledge and confidence, and encourage you to speak to your healthcare provider if you ever notice a change or any signs of potential problems. The most common sign of a problem in the later stages of pregnancy is a change in regular fetal movements. It is essential to report any changes in your baby’s regular movements, along with any other symptoms you may be suffering, even if you feel the symptoms are very minor. Working with your midwife by reporting any symptoms is essential. Pre-eclampsia Gestational Diabetes This is when high levels of Glucose build up in your blood. It’s diagnosed by a blood test your doctor or midwife will send you for if they think you’re at risk. Lots of women are checked for diabetes during pregnancy, including women with family history of diabetes, raised BMI, and certain ethnic groups, all factors that can increase the chance of getting it. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause babies to grow very large and can also cause heart problems. It is also a risk to Mum. Signs & Symptoms: Gestational diabetes doesn’t usually cause any symptoms. Your midwife or doctor would diagnose it after blood and urine tests. But sometimes you may have symptoms of high blood sugar, including: Increased thirst Needing to urinate often Feeling tired Who it affects? Between 2 and 5 per cent of women in this country will have diabetes during pregnancy. Though the majority will no longer have the condition after the birth, there’s an inc Continue reading >>

Gestational Diabetes Complications

Most Gestational diabetes complications can be avoided if you keep a tight rein on the management of your diabetes. Gestational diabetes is just as dangerous as any of the other types of diabetes, even though it is short-lived (only lasting during gestation). Considering that it is not only your own health, but also the health of your unborn child that are affected by it. From this point of view, it must be seen as even more serious as the other types of diabetes. The development of your baby during the pregnancy will determine largely the lifelong health of your child. This will of course be determined on how well you've managed to avoid the gestational diabetes complications. It really is up to you. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can be quite dangerous, as it can cause severe problems for you and your baby. These problems are highlighted in the gestational diabetes complications listed below. Most women however, who have gestational diabetes, deliver healthy babies. You can also be counted amongst them, all it takes is to manage your disease with care. It really is up to you. The dangers of gestational diabetes complications does not lie so much with the fact that your body does not control its sugar levels adequately. The danger is more in these elevated blood glucose levels. You can and must assist your body to keep your blood sugar levels within the normal range. If your blood sugar are kept at normal levels, then you or your baby will not fall victim to gestational diabetes complications. How can your Baby be Affected by Gestational Diabetes Complications? When you have gestational diabetes, your baby could be at increased risk for these gestational diabetes complications: Fetal macrosomia. Excessive growth. Extra glucose will cross the placenta, which triggers y Continue reading >>

Gestational Diabetes

Topic Overview What is gestational diabetes? If your blood sugar level first becomes too high when you are pregnant, you have gestational diabetes. It usually goes back to normal after the baby is born. High blood sugar can cause problems for you and your baby. Your baby may grow too large, which can cause problems during delivery. Your baby may also be born with low blood sugar. But with treatment, most women who have gestational diabetes are able to control their blood sugar and give birth to healthy babies. Women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely than other women to develop type 2 diabetes later on. You may be able to prevent or reduce the severity of type 2 diabetes by staying at a healthy weight, eating healthy foods, and increasing your physical activity. What causes gestational diabetes? The pancreas makes a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps your body properly use and store the sugar from the food you eat. This keeps your blood sugar level in a target range. When you are pregnant, the placenta makes hormones that can make it harder for insulin to work. This is called insulin resistance. A pregnant woman can get diabetes when her pancreas cannot make enough insulin to keep her blood sugar levels within a target range. What are the symptoms? Because gestational diabetes may not cause symptoms, it is important for you to be tested for gestational diabetes. Sometimes a pregnant woman who has symptoms has been living with another type of diabetes without knowing it. If you have symptoms from another type of diabetes, they may include: Increased thirst. Increased urination. Increased hunger. Blurred vision. Pregnancy causes most women to urinate more often and to feel more hungry. So having these symptoms doesn't always mean that a woman has diabete Continue reading >>

Gestational Diabetes

What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes happens when you have too much sugar (glucose) in your blood during pregnancy. Your blood sugar levels can go up when your body isn’t producing enough of a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps: the muscles and tissues in your body to use blood sugar for energy your body to store any blood sugar that isn’t needed While you’re expecting, your body has to make extra insulin, especially from mid-pregnancy onwards. You need extra insulin because hormones from the placenta make your body less responsive to it. If your body can’t meet this extra demand, your blood sugar levels will rise and you may develop gestational diabetes. Having too much sugar in your blood can cause problems for you and your baby, so you’ll have extra care during your pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is common, affecting as many as one in six mums-to-be. The good news is that gestational diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born. It’s different from type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, which last a lifetime. Gestational diabetes often doesn’t have any very recognisable symptoms, but you may: feel tired have a dry mouth be very thirsty pee a lot get recurring infections, such as thrush have blurred vision If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor. What makes me prone to develop gestational diabetes? You may be more likely to develop gestational diabetes if: Your body mass index (BMI) is 25 or more. You have already given birth to a large baby weighing 4.5kg or more. You’ve had gestational diabetes before or your close relatives have had diabetes. Some ethnicities are more prone to diabetes, and sadly, South Asian are among those. So if there is a family history of gestational diabetes or diabetes, you might be more likel Continue reading >>

How Does Gestational Diabetes Affect My Baby?

If you have gestational diabetes (GDM) during your pregnancy, it puts the fetus at risk for a variety of conditions, including excessive weight (macrosomia or large for gestational age), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperbilirubinemia (high bilirubin, which can lead to brain damage if not controlled), the need for an operative delivery or primary Caesarean section and shoulder dystocia (when the fetus's shoulder is trapped in the pelvis at the time of delivery -- a very serious complication that can result in lifelong injury). The main concern with gestational diabetes is that the baby may develop a fetal macrosomia, a condition in which it grows more than nine pounds, four ounces before birth, regardless of gestational age. This occurs because the baby is getting large amounts of glucose from the mother, which triggers the baby's pancreas to produce more insulin. The extra glucose, then, is converted to fat. In some cases, the baby becomes too large to be delivered through the birth canal, requiring a cesarean delivery. Gestational diabetes also increases the risk of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, in the baby right after delivery. This medical problem typically occurs if the mother's blood sugar levels have been consistently high, leading to high blood levels of insulin in the baby. After birth, the baby continues to have a high insulin level but no longer has the high levels of glucose from the mother. So the newborn's blood sugar levels drop sharply and suddenly. Your baby's blood sugar levels will be checked in the newborn nursery, and if they're too low, the baby may receive oral or intravenous glucose. Babies whose mothers have gestational diabetes or whose mothers had insulin-dependent diabetes before they became pregnant are also at higher risk for respira Continue reading >>

Fetal Movements In Pregnancy

Fetal movements refer to the muscular movements of the developing baby inside the mother's womb. These may be either reflex movements or elicited in response to noise or touch, at first. Types of fetal movement All fetal movements are not alike. At first the mother may feel fluttering movements, which later turn to stronger kicks, and then she notices the baby squirming, rolling or wriggling. There are also hiccup movements. Thus fetal movements are classified as: Weak Strong Rolling Development of fetal movements over time Before 9 weeks, all the limbs move together, as the nerves are still developing. The embryo arches its head and back. At 9 weeks yawns and stretches are visible on ultrasound. At 10 weeks from fertilization, you may see the limbs moving separately, and startle movements. At 11 weeks the baby can open its mouth and suck its fingers. By 12 weeks, it is possible to watch the baby swallowing amniotic fluid. By 13 weeks, the baby vigorously moves arms and legs, in kicks and jabs, and can also respond to skin touch. At the 14th – 20th week, a great event called quickening occurs. This is the first perception of fetal movement by the mother. Usually felt around 18-20 weeks in first pregnancies, it can be as early as 14 weeks in later pregnancies due to the increased sensitivity of the more relaxed abdominal muscles. From the 20th - 36 weeks, all types of fetal movements are felt – weak, strong and rolling movements. Tha baby moves all the joints and the spine, ensuring proper joint development. The pattern of movement changes, with weak movements becoming gradually reduced over time, while strong and rolling movements become more frequent. By 28 weeks, all babies show the startle reflex. Here the baby brings both arms and legs towards the chest when sud Continue reading >>

Fetal Movement Counts

There is a simple way to check your baby's health at home or anywhere, called a fetal movement count. Every baby has normal sleep and awake times, so your baby will have periods of both quiet and active time. A movement may be a kick, stretch, turn or flip. Tip Your baby might be quite active while you are at work, but that may not be a very relaxing, easy place for you to count movements. Try resting in bed at home and counting kicks and movements there. Your baby won't slow down and become less active before birth. The movements may change - as your baby grows, there is less room to maneuver - but the frequency of movement should not decrease. By keeping track of your baby's movements for each day during the third trimester, you will get to know your baby's activity pattern. This can help alert you if your baby is not feeling well. A total of 10 or more distinct movements in 2 hours suggests that your baby is doing well. If your baby is moving less than usual, this may be a sign that he or she is under some stress or that a problem may be developing. If you are worried and do not have at least five movements in 1 hours, call your health care provider. When to count Once a day, during the third trimester of your pregnancy, record your baby's activity. Choose the time of day your baby is the most active, and begin timing fetal movements at about the same time every day. If you smoke and have not been able to quit during your pregnancy, try not to smoke for at least 1 hour before you start counting. (Your baby gets less oxygen and food because nicotine from cigarettes tightens up your blood vessels.) How to count Choose a quiet place where you can focus on your baby's movements without being distracted. Lie down on your side or sit in a comfortable chair. When you count Continue reading >>

Understanding Gestational Diabetes: Glucose Monitoring

Fetal Monitoring, Gestational Diabetes, Integrative Medicine, Pregnancy and Birth, Weight Management What is self blood glucose monitoring? Once you are diagnosed as having gestational diabetes, you and your health care providers will want to know more about your day-to-day blood sugar levels. It is important to know how your exercise habits and eating patterns affect your blood sugars. Also, as your pregnancy progresses, the placenta will release more of the hormones that work against insulin. Testing your blood sugar level at important times during the day will help determine if proper diet and weight gain have kept blood sugar levels normal or if extra insulin is needed to help keep the fetus protected. Self blood glucose monitoring is done by using a special device to obtain a drop of your blood and test it for your blood sugar level. Your doctor or other health care provider will explain the procedure to you. Make sure that you are shown how to do the testing before attempting it on your own. Some items you may use to monitor your blood sugar levels are: Lancet–a disposable, sharp needle-like sticker for pricking the finger to obtain a drop of blood. Lancet device–a springloaded finger sticking device. Test strip–a chemically treated strip to which a drop of blood is applied. Color chart–a chart used to compare against the color on the test strip for blood sugar level. Glucose meter–a device which “reads” the test strip and gives you a digital number value. Your health care provider can advise you where to obtain the self-monitoring equipment in your area. You may want to inquire if any places rent or loan glucose meters, since it is likely you won't be needing it after your baby is born. How often and when should I test? You may need to test your blo Continue reading >>

Diabetes And Pregnancy

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition in which the body can't produce enough insulin, or it can't use it properly. Insulin is the hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter the cells to be used as fuel. When glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood. This is called hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. Damage from diabetes comes from the effects of hyperglycemia on other organ systems including the eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and nerves. In early pregnancy, hyperglycemia can result in birth defects. What are the different types of diabetes? There are three basic types of diabetes including: Type 1 diabetes. Also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system destroys, or attempts to destroy, the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, but can start at any age. Type 2 diabetes. A metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. It used to be called noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Gestational diabetes. A condition in which the blood glucose level is elevated and other diabetic symptoms appear during pregnancy in a woman who has not previously been diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is a serious disease, which, if not controlled, can be life-threatening. It is often associated with long-term complications that can affect every system and part of the body. Diabetes can contribute to eye disorders and blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputation, and nerve damage. What happens with diabetes and pregnancy? During pregnancy, the placenta supplies a growing fetus with nutrients and water. The placenta also makes a variety of horm Continue reading >>

The Fidgety Fetus Hypothesis

Abstract OBJECTIVE—To determine whether some offspring of women with diabetes are intrinsically more active than others in utero and whether those who are active are able to normalize their birth weight despite maternal hyperglycemia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We conducted a three-phase study to view the relationship between fetal movements and subsequent birth weight in women with diabetes. Phase I was designed to assess maternal perception of fetal movements in a population of 10 women with diabetes. To improve our fetal monitoring techniques, in phase II we analyzed fetal movements using the Card Guard home fetal monitoring device (CG 900P) in a population of 13 women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). To apply our observations of fetal movements to a larger population, during phase III we conducted a retrospective analysis of fetal monitoring strips (HP 8041A) from 46 women with GDM to examine the relationship between fetal heart rate (FHR) accelerations and percentile birth weight, corrected for gestational age. RESULTS—Phase I confirmed that there is little variability in fetal movements (i.e., fetal kicks did not significantly deviate from one another on a day-to-day basis). In phase II, the fetal monitoring strips illustrated that the active fetuses (defined as ≥4 FHR accelerations in a 20-min period) were always active, and the inactive fetuses were always inactive. The mean birth weight percentile, corrected for gestational age, in the active group was 37 vs. 63% in the inactive group (P = 0.05). In phase III, the fetal monitoring strips showed an inverse correlation between the mean number of FHR accelerations and the birth weight of the fetus, corrected for gestational age. The mean birth weight percentile in the active group was 37 vs. 62% Continue reading >>

Gestational Diabetes (diabetes During Pregnancy)

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy. Diabetes means your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Your body uses glucose for energy. Too much glucose in your blood is not good for you or your baby. Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed during late pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with diabetes earlier in your pregnancy, you may have had diabetes before you became pregnant. Treating gestational diabetes can help both you and your baby stay healthy. You can protect your baby and yourself by taking action right away to control your blood glucose levels. If you have gestational diabetes, a health care team will likely be part of your care. In addition to your obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB/GYN—the doctor who will deliver your baby—your team might include a doctor who treats diabetes, a diabetes educator, and a dietitian to help you plan meals. For Women with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes If you already have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and are thinking about having a baby, talk with your doctor before you get pregnant. Untreated or poorly controlled diabetes can cause serious problems for your baby. More information is provided in the NIDDK health topic, What I need to know about Preparing for Pregnancy if I Have Diabetes or call 1–800–860–8747 and request a copy. Gestational diabetes happens when your body can't make enough insulin during pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone made in your pancreas, an organ located behind your stomach. Insulin helps your body use glucose for energy and helps control your blood glucose levels. During pregnancy, your body makes more hormones and goes through other changes, such as weight gain. These changes cause your body's cells to use insulin less effectively, a condition called ins Continue reading >>

Gestational Diabetes (gd)

What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes (GD) happens when you have too much sugar (glucose) in your blood during pregnancy. Your blood sugar levels can go up when your body isn’t producing enough of a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps: the cells in your body to get energy from blood sugar your body to store any blood sugar that isn’t needed During pregnancy, hormones make it harder for your body to use insulin efficiently. So your body has to make extra insulin, especially from mid-pregnancy onwards. If your body can't make enough extra insulin, your blood sugar levels will rise and you may develop GD. Having too much sugar in your blood can cause problems for you and your baby, so you’ll have extra care during your pregnancy. On average, GD affects one mum-to-be in 20. GD goes away after your baby is born, because it's a condition that's only caused by pregnancy. The other types of diabetes, which are not caused by pregnancy, are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Some women have diabetes, without realising it, before they become pregnant. If this happens to you, it will be diagnosed as GD during your pregnancy. What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes? You probably won't notice any symptoms if you have GD. That's why you'll be monitored by your midwife, and offered a test if she thinks you're at risk. GD symptoms are like normal pregnancy symptoms, and easy to miss. By the time you have clear symptoms, your blood sugar levels may be worryingly high (hyperglycaemia) . Symptoms of hyperglycaemia include: feeling more thirsty needing to wee more often than usual having a dry mouth feeling more tired getting recurring infections, such as thrush, and UTIs having blurred vision If you have any of these symptoms, tell your midwife or doctor straig Continue reading >>

A Guide To Gestational Diabetes

This page by no means replaces the treatment that you should seek from your health care team. Diabetes and pregnancy require a program of treatment individualized to you and your baby. What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes is glucose intolerance that is diagnosed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Glucose intolerance means a problem in the body’s usual process for changing the glucose (sugar) from food into energy. Normally, the pancreas makes insulin that carries the glucose into the cells. The extra glucose is stored in muscle, liver, and fat cells. When you’re pregnant, the placenta makes hormones that work against the body’s insulin. During pregnancy, the body needs three to four times as much insulin as it usually does. In gestational diabetes, the body’s insulin supply cannot keep up with the need. The extra glucose stays in the blood and crosses the placenta to the baby. Who gets gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs in about 7 percent of all pregnancies. Your chances of developing gestational diabetes are greater if you: Have a family history of diabetes Are overweight Have had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth Have had a stillbirth Are of an ethnic origin at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, such as Native American, African American, or Hispanic However, gestational diabetes can occur even with no risk factors. How is gestational diabetes diagnosed? It is important to detect and treat gestational diabetes early so that the developing baby is not affected. If you are at high risk for diabetes, you will be tested early in pregnancy. All women, regardless of risk, should be screened for gestational diabetes by taking an oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. This should be done in the morni Continue reading >>

Understanding Gestational Diabetes

Introduction Approximately 3 to 5 percent of all pregnant women in the United States are diagnosed as having gestational diabetes. These women and their families have many questions about this disorder. Some of the most frequently asked questions are: What is gestational diabetes and how did I get it? How does it differ from other kinds of diabetes? Will it hurt my baby? Will my baby have diabetes? What can I do to control gestational diabetes? Will I need a special diet? Will gestational diabetes change the way or the time my baby is delivered? Will I have diabetes in the future? This brochure will address these and many other questions about diet, exercise, measurement of blood sugar levels, and general medical and obstetric care of women with gestational diabetes. It must be emphasized that these are general guidelines and only your health care professional(s) can tailor a program specific to your needs. You should feel free to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor or other health care provider, as no one knows more about you and the condition of your pregnancy. What is gestational diabetes and what causes it? Diabetes (actual name is diabetes mellitus) of any kind is a disorder that prevents the body from using food properly. Normally, the body gets its major source of energy from glucose, a simple sugar that comes from foods high in simple carbohydrates (e.g., table sugar or other sweeteners such as honey, molasses, jams, and jellies, soft drinks, and cookies), or from the breakdown of complex carbohydrates such as starches (e.g., bread, potatoes, and pasta). After sugars and starches are digested in the stomach, they enter the blood stream in the form of glucose. The glucose in the blood stream becomes a potential source of energy for the entire body, sim Continue reading >>