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Are you pregnant? Yes? Then you may be at risk for diabetes!

How does this happen?

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that appears only during pregnancy. As strange as it may sound, studies show that 6-7% of pregnant women will develop this form of diabetes during the course of their pregnancy.

What causes gestational diabetes? Are the symptoms obvious? Is it possible to keep you and your baby healthy after a diagnosis?

Read on to find out!

What Causes Gestational Diabetes?

Our body releases a hormone called Insulin every time we have a meal.

This hormone helps to break down fats and carbohydrates, turning the sugar from our food into energy. At times, hormones from the placenta can prevent the production of insulin and sugar cannot be broken down properly.

Therefore, excess sugar remains in the blood and causes gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually starts around the 24^th to 28^th week of pregnancy.

If not managed properly, this sustained rise in blood sugar can cause damage to the nerves, blood vessels and organs in your body.

Risk Factors For Gestational Diabetes

Although it is not certain why some women get gestational diabetes while others do not, there are some factors that places anyone at risk of this condition:

• Obesity
• High levels of tummy fat
• Age (Women older than 35 years)
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Family history of diabetes
• Personal history of Gestational Diabetes
• History of delivering large babies (more than 9pounds/4.1kilograms)
• Sendentry Lifestyle
• Race: Sadly, being black places you at a higher risk of this condition.

Symptoms Of Gestational Diabetes

Many women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy may not notice any symptoms. Most women find out after they have been tested for the condition.

However, some signs you should watch out for are:

• Incessant thirst.
• Frequent urination and in large amounts
• Persistent Fatigue
• Sugar in the urine during a dipstick test
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Recurrent vaginal, bladder and skin infections

Your doctor will test you for gestational diabetes during your routine antenatal check ups. This is done between 24-28 weeks if you have never had it before or at your first visit if you had it in your previous pregnancy. This test is called an OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test).

How Does Gestational Diabetes Affect You and Your Baby?

If left unchecked, gestational diabetes could put you at risk for:

• Preeclampsia
• Miscarriages and pregnancy loss
• Increased risk of having a baby by caesarean section.
• Stillbirth

On the other hand, it puts your baby at risk for:

.Jaundice ( yellowing of the eyes and skin)

• Breathing difficulties
• Macrosomia; a condition where a baby is too large and the head too big for a vaginal delivery.
• Low blood sugar levels
• Low calcium levels
• Issues with the formation of organs such as the heart
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes later in life

However, mothers who follow their obstetrician’s advice and recommendations for either medication or dietary changes do not have to worry about these risks.

Gestational diabetes can be adequately managed with proper diet and exercise. In some cases, supplementary insulin as injections may be recommended. Other times oral tablets are given to help control your blood sugar through other mechanisms .

A diagnosis of gestational diabetes can be overwhelming. However, there is no need to despair as it can be easily controlled so that you have a safe and healthy delivery.

Your pregnancy will need to be monitored more closely eg. more frequent antenatal visits. Follow your doctors advice at all times. Maintain a healthy diet, and remain physically active. Be consistent with your medications if you have any.

As long as you follow the guidelines above, you and your baby will be fine.

During pregnancy, many changes occur in a woman’s body, including changes in metabolism and hormone levels. One of the changes that can occur during pregnancy is the presence of ketones in the urine.

It’s important for pregnant women to monitor their urine for the presence of ketones. Also, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider if ketones are detected.

In this article, you will know what ketones are during pregnancy, what causes ketones in urine during pregnancy. Furthermore, there are details on how to prevent ketones in urine during pregnancy.

What are ketones in urine during pregnancy?

Ketones are substances produced by the liver when the body is unable to use carbohydrates as its primary source of energy.

When ketones are present in the urine during pregnancy, it may indicate that the body is not getting enough energy from the foods being consumed.

Why are there ketones in urine during pregnancy?

Ketones in urine during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors including:

Not eating enough: When the body doesn’t get enough carbohydrates from food, it starts to burn stored fat for energy. This process produces ketones, which are then excreted in the urine.

Skipping meals: This can also lead to the production of ketones because the body isn’t getting a steady supply of carbohydrates.

Gestational diabetes: This is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and can cause high blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are too high, the body produces ketones as a byproduct.

Dehydration: When the body is dehydrated, it can also produce ketones. This can occur if you are not drinking enough fluids during pregnancy.

Nausea and vomiting: It can lead to dehydration and a lack of food intake, which can result in the production of ketones.

Prolonged fasting or exercise: Prolonged periods of fasting or intense exercise can also cause the body to produce ketones as a source of energy.

How do you know whether there are ketones in your urine during pregnancy?

The presence of ketones in urine during pregnancy can be detected by a urine test.

This test can be performed by your healthcare provider, or an over-the-counter ketone test kit can be used at home.

To perform a urine test for ketones at home, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
• Use a clean cup to collect a urine sample.
• Open the ketone test strip package and remove the strip.
• Dip the ketone test strip into the urine sample and then remove it.
• Wait for the recommended time (usually 10-15 seconds) for the test strip to change color.
• Compare the color of the test strip to the color chart that comes with the test kit.
• Record the result as negative (no ketones), trace (small amount of ketones), moderate (moderate amount of ketones), or high (large amount of ketones).

How to prevent ketones in urine during pregnancy 

The following steps can help prevent the production of ketones in urine during pregnancy:

Eat a well-balanced diet: It’s important for you to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of carbohydrates during pregnancy. This can help ensure that your body has enough energy to function properly and prevent the production of ketones.

Avoid skipping meals: Skipping meals can cause your body to go into a state of starvation, which can trigger the production of ketones. You should aim to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent ketone production.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration can also lead to the production of ketones. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, such as water, herbal tea, and fruit juice to stay hydrated.

Monitor your blood sugar levels: Women with gestational diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations for managing their condition.

Get regular exercise: Regular exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity and keep blood sugar levels stable. You should talk to your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program and follow their recommendations for safe exercise during pregnancy.

Manage nausea and vomiting: Women experiencing severe nausea and vomiting should work with their healthcare provider to manage their symptoms and prevent dehydration and malnutrition, which can lead to the production of ketones.

Monitor your urine for ketones: You should monitor your urine for the presence of ketones using a ketone test kit. If ketones are detected, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.

Can ketones harm your baby during pregnancy?

High levels of ketones in the urine during pregnancy can potentially harm both the mother and the developing baby. If left untreated, high levels of ketones can lead to a condition called ketoacidosis, which can cause a range of serious complications, including:

Dehydration: Ketones can cause the body to lose water and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration. This can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, who may already be at risk for dehydration due to the increased demands of pregnancy.

Fetal distress: High levels of ketones in the mother’s bloodstream can potentially affect the developing baby, leading to fetal distress and other complications.

Preterm labor: Women with high levels of ketones in their urine may be at increased risk for preterm labor and delivery.

Neural tube defects: High levels of ketones during pregnancy have been associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects in the developing baby.

Low birth weight: Women with high levels of ketones in their urine may be at increased risk for delivering a baby with a low birth weight.

Conclusion

The presence of ketones in urine during pregnancy can be a sign of a number of different conditions, including gestational diabetes, a low-carbohydrate diet, or fasting. Ketones can potentially harm both the mother and the developing baby if left untreated. It is important you monitor your urine for the presence of ketones during pregnancy and to consult with a healthcare provider if ketones are detected.

A threatened miscarriage is also referred to as a threatened abortion or a threatened spontaneous abortion. Abortion is sometimes used as a medical term for a miscarriage. Abortion occurs when a pregnancy ends before the embryo is ready to survive on its own. It could be a threatened miscarriage, an early pregnancy loss, or a spontaneous abortion.

In this post, you will learn all there is to know about threatened miscarriage; the causes, possible complications, symptoms, and diagnosis.

Let’s Get Started!

What Is Threatened Miscarriage? 

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines threatened abortion as a pregnancy-related bloody vaginal discharge or frank bleeding during the first half of pregnancy without cervical dilatation. 

During the first trimester of pregnancy, some pregnant women experience vaginal bleeding. This blood loss can occur with or without abdominal cramping. A threatened abortion occurs when the symptoms show that a miscarriage is likely to happen in the future.

Causes of threatened miscarriage 

Some of the possible causes of threatened miscarriage are:

• An infection or irritation that may occur following sex.
• Miscarriage, minor falls, injuries, or stress during the first trimester of pregnancy.
• Ectopic pregnancy; is a condition that arises when an embryo implants outside of the uterus.
• Molar pregnancy; is a rare uterine growth.

Other factors that can raise your chances of miscarriage include:

• Obesity
• Thyroid problems
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes 

Symptoms of Threatened Miscarriage  

The main symptom is vaginal bleeding in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is also important to note that the intensity of this bleeding can vary from light to severe. Furthermore, some people also experience stomach cramps or lower back pain.

Women who have a regular miscarriage frequently experience dull or sharp pain in the abdomen and lower back. They may also pass vaginal tissue containing clot-like material.

If you’re pregnant and experiencing these symptoms or bleeding at any point during pregnancy, contact your doctor or obstetrician immediately.

Possible complications include:

• Anemia
• Infection
• Miscarriage

Furthermore, the doctor will want to make sure the symptoms or complications aren’t caused by an ectopic pregnancy, which is a potentially lethal complication. To achieve this, it is important to make a proper diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Threatened Miscarriage

To properly diagnose a threatened miscarriage, the doctor will inquire about your symptoms and medical history. Furthermore, he or she will have to perform a physical examination.

Some of the tests involved include:

• Fetal heart monitoring via ultrasound
• Tests on the blood; The following blood tests are done:
• Beta HCG (quantitative) test (pregnancy test) performed over a period of days or weeks to confirm the continuation of the pregnancy
• A complete blood count (CBC) is performed to determine the presence of anemia.
• Progesterone concentration
• A white blood cell count (WBC) with a differential is done to rule out infection.

Treatment of Threatened Miscarriage

Miscarriages are sometimes unavoidable. In some cases, your doctor will recommend certain measures to reduce your chances of miscarriage.

Some of these preventive measures include:

• Treating conditions that increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes or hypothyroidism.
• Your doctor may also prescribe a progesterone injection to boost your hormone levels.
• If you have Rh-negative blood and your developing fetus has Rh-positive blood, your doctor will also give you Rh immunoglobulin, also known as immune globulin. This prevents your body from producing antibodies against the blood of your child.

Prevention of Threatened Miscarriage:

Although it is really difficult to prevent miscarriage during pregnancy, you can increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy by:

• Attending your antenatal clinics regularly
• Avoiding alcohol
• Regulating your caffeine consumption
• Taking prescribed prenatal vitamins
• Reporting any viral or bacterial infections during pregnancy to your doctor immediately

Long-term prospects

Thankfully, many women who experience threatened miscarriages go on to have healthy children. If your cervix hasn’t already dilated and the fetus is still securely attached to the uterine wall, this is more likely. If your hormone levels are abnormal, hormone therapy can often help you carry the baby to term.

Nonetheless, a threatened abortion can be a very stressful experience for some people, leading to anxiety and depression. If you are experiencing symptoms of either condition following a threatened abortion or miscarriage, you should consult your doctor. They can assist you in obtaining the necessary treatment.

Your doctor may also be aware of local support groups where you can share your experiences and concerns with others who understand what you’re going through.

In Conclusion,

It helps to remember that most miscarriages are often unavoidable. However, if you have two or more miscarriages in a row, please contact your doctor to identify and treat the underlying cause. In addition, studies show that women with proper prenatal care often have better pregnancy outcomes and fewer cases of threatened miscarriage.

Regular visits to your doctor have become a normal part of your routine since you became pregnant. An ultrasound scan may even be performed on occasion. This helps to monitor your baby’s health while still in your womb. In addition, an ultrasound can be used to determine your baby’s measurement before he or she arrives in your arms.

Furthermore, your antenatal clinics will also include tests that reveal your hormone levels, blood pressure readings, and sugar levels during pregnancy.

In this article, you will learn some of the things you should expect during antenatal visits, what baby measurement means; how to do it, what it means if your baby is measuring ahead, the possible risk factors, and some takeaways.

What to expect during antenatal visits

Most pregnant women see their doctor at least once a month during pregnancy. However, some moms-to-be end up seeing their doctor more than once a month especially when the baby is approaching term or because of an underlying disease that may impact the health of the baby.

During these visits, your doctor will perform a brief physical examination on you.

With a nurse’s help, your doctor will determine your height, weight, and blood pressure. Furthermore, you will be asked some questions to determine your background health and family history. The doctor will also ask about your baby’s movements in the womb, your sleep patterns, and prenatal vitamin use.

For the physical part of the examination, your doctor will check:

• Your fundal height (or belly size)
• Your baby’s heartbeat
• Weight gain
• Swelling, especially in the foot.

What does baby measurement mean?

This is a means to approximate your baby’s size while still in the womb.

There is usually a relationship between your fundal height and the timeline of your pregnancy. For instance, for a 20 week-pregnancy, your fundal height should be about 20 ± 3 cm.

However, it is important to note that this measurement is not always accurate due to factors like:

• Your baby size
• Multiple pregnancies
• Genetic variances

What does it mean if your baby is measuring ahead?

When your baby is measuring ahead or big, it means that your baby’s measurement values seem to be higher than their expected gestational size for the week of pregnancy you are in. This does not always mean there’s something wrong with your baby or that you will have problems with delivery.

For this, you do not have to worry.

How to measure your fundal height

Before you try to measure your fundal height at home, make sure you know where your pubic bone is and how to locate the top of your uterus. You can ask your doctor or midwife to show you how to locate them.

Once you know the location, you can follow the following steps to measure your fundal height:

• Make sure that your bladder is empty: A full bladder has the potential to increase your fundal height measurement by a few centimeters. Also, when you’re at the hospital for follow-up, make sure your bladder is empty too before your doctor measures your fundal height.
• Lie down on your back with your legs in front of you.
• Use a centimeter-graded tape measure: Then place the zero mark at the top of your uterus and move down vertically until you reach the top of your pubic bone. Whatever measurement you get is your fundal height.

Why your baby is measuring ahead

There are a lot of reasons your baby may be measuring ahead.

One of them is that your baby will come out big or you’re carrying more than one baby. This should not be a reason for fear or worry, especially as to if you’ll be able to have a normal vaginal delivery or a C-section.

Your doctor or midwife can guide you through this and help you make the best decision.

Another reason your baby may be measuring ahead is excess amniotic fluid production. As you’d learn in this post, amniotic fluid surrounds your baby and offers some sort of protection during pregnancy. Excess amniotic fluid production leads to a condition called polyhydramnios.

You may also have sizeable fundal measurements because you have fibroids of significant size. Large fibroids can force your womb to the front, causing your baby to measure ahead. You can also read this article to know if fibroids can affect your chances of getting pregnant.

Risk factors

Some factors can put you at risk of measuring ahead. Thankfully, some of these factors can be controlled.

These include:

• Previous history of measuring ahead: If you have given birth to a large baby before, you are at an increased risk of having another large baby so most likely, you’ll measure ahead again.
• Obesity and diabetes: If your diabetes is not well controlled, it is possible that your baby will have larger shoulders and fat compared to a baby whose mother is not diabetic.
• Having a boy: Male babies sometimes weigh more than females. If you’re having a male child, there’s a high chance that he would measure ahead.
• Overdue pregnancy: If you are past your due date, your baby is at an increased risk to measure ahead.

Takeaway

Most times, you may not be able to prevent measuring ahead, however, you can take control and have a healthy pregnancy irrespective of your baby’s size.

You can do this by:

• Scheduling a preconstruction appointment with your doctor before conception. This way, the doctor will provide guidance on what you should and should not do during pregnancy.
• Monitor your weight during pregnancy: Gaining a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy supports your baby’s growth and development, especially if you have a normal weight before pregnancy.
• Follow your doctor’s advice and recommendations for physical activities. This will ensure you don’t add too much weight during pregnancy.

You can also read the post on pregnancy-safe exercise options to try.

Conclusion

Measuring ahead is not something you should be scared of. Ensure you go for your routine check-up and follow your doctor’s advice.

All you have to do is stay healthy and anticipate the arrival of your little one.