Canberra Fetal Assessment Centre

Gestational Diabetes (GDM)

milo@pupdigital.com.au (Mihajlo Kecic) — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 07:02:00 GMT

Gestational diabetes is a condition affecting pregnant women, where blood sugar levels can generally be controlled through regular monitoring and maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.

In Australia, new guidelines recommend that all pregnant women undergo a glucose tolerance test (GTT) at 26 weeks. This test lasts about two hours and requires scheduling a month in advance. No special diet is needed before the test.

Who's at risk?

Women over a certain age
Those with a history of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
Family history of type 2 or gestational diabetes
Overweight or obese individuals
Women with backgrounds including Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, Indian subcontinent, or Asian
Those with conditions like PCOS

What to expect:

Consultations with a specialized team, including a diabetic educator and endocrinologist
Management through a healthy diet and regular exercise
Sometimes, insulin injections may be necessary

Risks to the baby:

Potential for low blood sugar at birth, requiring nursery care
Slightly increased risk of premature delivery
Poor sugar control might cause the baby to grow larger than average

Post-pregnancy care:

About 30-60% of women with gestational diabetes may develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years after childbirth
Regular diabetes screening every two years is advised
Continue with the healthy lifestyle adopted during pregnancy

Remember, diabetes isn't just a condition; it represents a commitment to a healthy way of life.

Preventing Premature Birth

milo@pupdigital.com.au (Mihajlo Kecic) — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 06:58:00 GMT

Dealing with an extremely premature birth is a major challenge. While not all forms of prematurity can be prevented, there are steps we can take.

Identifying Risk Factors"

History of gynecological surgery

Uterine malformations

Previous childbirth before 34 weeks

Actions to Take:

Regular check-ups during pregnancy

Measuring cervical length through routine ultrasound scans

Early infection detection and treatment, starting with a urine sample at your first pregnancy appointment

Lifestyle Modifications:

Quitting smoking

Maintaining dental health to prevent preterm birth (refer to our section on tooth brushing)

Achieving a healthy lifestyle and weight loss for a healthier BMI

Treatment Options:

Probiotics (see following section)

Discussing the use of progesterone with your healthcare provider

Administering steroids when the baby is viable and there's a high risk of premature birth

In select cases, a cervical suture may be considered to extend the pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Dental Health

milo@pupdigital.com.au (Mihajlo Kecic) — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 06:54:00 GMT

Dental infections, which can be a major factor in severe prematurity, are largely preventable. Ensure regular annual dental check-ups for you and your family, and practice proper tooth brushing techniques.

Effective Tooth Brushing:

Flossing is crucial for dental care.
Brush your teeth twice daily, for two minutes each time.
Avoid brushing immediately after meals, especially acidic ones, as this can damage softened enamel.
Wait at least an hour post-meal, and rinse with water to neutralize acids.
Optimal times for brushing are before bed and before breakfast.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue.
Choose tap water over bottled water for its enamel-strengthening fluoride content.
Avoid smoking and reduce sugar intake, including fizzy drinks and sweets.
Chew sugar-free gum between meals to help clean teeth.

Preventing and Limiting Infections:

Wash hands with soap and water, particularly before meals and when you have a cold.
Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of it properly.
Avoid sharing utensils like cups and cutlery.
Stay home if unwell and keep sick children away from medical appointments.
Vaccinations, including flu shots in winter and updated whooping cough vaccines, are key to reducing infection risks.

Ways to Prevent and Limit Infection

milo@pupdigital.com.au (Mihajlo Kecic) — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 06:46:00 GMT

Ensure hand hygiene by washing with soap and flowing water, especially when you're down with a cold or before meal preparation.
Always cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of it immediately.
Avoid sharing items like cups and cutlery.
If you're feeling sick, stay home, and do the same for ill children when going for medical appointments.
Keeping up with vaccinations, such as getting the flu shot at the beginning of winter and staying current with your whooping cough vaccine, is an effective strategy to reduce the spread of infections.

Exercise in pregnancy: a MUST!

milo@pupdigital.com.au (Mihajlo Kecic) — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 06:39:00 GMT

Improved sleep quality
Enhanced energy levels
Alleviation of pregnancy discomfort
Stress reduction
Preparation for childbirth
Aids in postpartum physical recovery