Question

Case study 3. Jessica i a6 months pregnant. This is her Second pregnancy and she has an 18-north old daughter (sarah). Jessica hasa BMI f 31.5, and her Gp advised her early in pregnancy that she needed to lose some weight as she was at risk of developing gestational dichotes Jerrica has so far beon Un successful in loring any resight, she has completed a 3-day fol daing 1. What are the risk to Jessica and to the foetus 4 Jessica develops GOM? 2. What Suggestions of change, would you make regarding her diet, and why.

Answer 1

1. Glucose intolerance is a metabolic condition which results in higher than normal blood glucose levels.Glucose intolerance with onset of pregnancy is termed as Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) .

Risks to Jessica:Jessica has high risk of developing diabetes mellitus later in life because women who are diagnosed with GDM are at high risk of developing diabetes mellitus later in life.She is also prone to become obese and develop cardiovascular diseases.

Risks to foetus: There are high chances that the fetus is considerably larger than normal.This is because If the maternal blood has too much glucose, the pancreas of the fetus senses the high glucose levels and converts the extra glucose to fat.Also,  the fetus may have a high level of insulin in its circulation resulting in low blood glucose in newborn.Stillbirth is also possible.

2.Jessica should have a healthy diet that consists of limited carbohydrate content , moderate amounts of protein and plenty of fruits and vegetables.Such a diet would help in maintaining blood glucose at close to normal levels.