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All you need to know about Gestational Diabetes

All you need to know about Gestational Diabetes

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Did you know that gestational diabetes mellitus, also known as GMD, is one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy?

What is GMD? Why does it happen? Can you prevent it? Keep scrolling for answers.

So, let’s start with the basics. What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. Many hormones are involved in maintaining the blood sugar level. As the hormone levels fluctuate during pregnancy, they prevent the body from using insulin effectively, leading to insulin resistance. This causes  glucose  build-up in the blood instead of being absorbed by the cells. Typically, the pancreas can make additional insulin to overcome insulin resistance, but when insulin production is not enough to overcome the effect of the placental hormones, gestational diabetes results.

A study conducted by Kai Wei Lee et., found the prevalence of GDM in Asia was 11.5%. GMD can happen at any stage of pregnancy but is more common in the second or third trimester.

But why is that?

Scientists have not been able to identify the exact hormone that causes GDM in pregnant women. But, many scientific theories suggest that as the placenta grows, more and more hormones are released, which increases risk of  insulin resistance. Thus, symptoms of GMD are seen more often in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. 

What are the symptoms of GMD?

Many women who have GMD do not show symptoms, but the most common ones are: 

  • Increased thirst
  • Urgency to pee more often
  • Dry mouth
  • Tiredness
Gestational Diabetes Causes

These symptoms are relatively common during pregnancy and not necessarily a sign of GMD. If you are pregnant and have noticed these symptoms, you should speak to a VOG doctor or a general physician, via oDoc who will provide a prescription for a lab test. You can carry out the lab tests from the comfort of you home via oLabs too. 

Who is at risk?

GMD can affect any woman, but a list of risk factors identified by scientists increases the chances of developing GMD. 

The risk factors include

  • Being overweight before pregnancy
  • Having a family  history of diabetes 
  • Being Prediabetic (if you have a blood glucose level higher than normal but not high enough to be classed as diabetic.
  • Having PCOS 
  • Being older than 25 as they are at a greater risk for developing gestational diabetes than younger women
  • Having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or other medical complications
  • Having  given birth to a large baby (weighing more than 9 pounds)
  • Having had a miscarriage

How does GMD affect the mother and the baby?

More often than not, women who have GMD go on to have normal pregnancies and deliver healthy babies. However, in other circumstances, GMD can lead to:

  • Macrosomia. This is where the baby grows very large as they absorb the excess glucose in the mother’s blood and convert it into fat and are deposited. This leads to difficulties during labour, causing doctors to opt for induced labour and c-section. 
  • Too much amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby) in the womb can cause premature labour or problems at delivery, known as polyhydramnios.
  • Premature birth
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in the baby after delivery. This happens because the mum’s high blood sugar level also causes the baby to have a high blood sugar level, and after birth, it no longer has the high level of sugar from its mother, resulting in the newborn’s blood sugar level becoming very low.
  • Obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life for babies. Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
  • Stillbirth. Untreated, gestational diabetes can result in a baby’s death before or shortly after birth.
  • Future diabetes for the mother. If you have gestational diabetes, you’re more likely to get it again during a future pregnancy. You also have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes as you get older.

What are the treatment options?

The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes at the first prenatal visit in women with diabetes risk factors. In pregnant women not known to have diabetes, GDM testing should be performed at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. 

If you are found to have GMD, don’t worry, as it can be treated, and complications can be reduced. The doctor may ask you to monitor your blood sugar level often, exercise often, eat healthily and maybe give insulin injections if necessary. 

How is it prevented?

There are no guarantees for preventing gestational diabetes — but the more healthy habits you can adopt before pregnancy, the better.

So don’t forget to 

  • Eat healthy – Choose foods high in fibre and low in fat and calories.
  • Exercise often – Exercising before and safely during pregnancy can help protect you from developing gestational diabetes.
  • Start pregnancy at a healthy weight. If you’re planning to get pregnant, losing extra weight beforehand may help you have a healthier pregnancy.
Preventing Gestational Diabetes

If you are pregnant and experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or have any questions, you can speak to one of the Obstetricians, Gynaecologists or GPs on the oDoc app. Click here to download the app.

Sources 

  1. Alfadhli, E., 2015. Gestational diabetes mellitus. Saudi Medical Journal, 36(4), pp.399-406.
  2. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved April 6, 2022, from 
  3. Gestational diabetes – Symptoms and causes. (2020, August 26). Mayo Clinic. 
  4. NHS website. (2021, November 29). Gestational diabetes. Nhs.Uk. 
  5. Lee, K.W., Ching, S.M., Ramachandran, V. et al. Prevalence and risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus in Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 18, 494 (2018).
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Back to School – A Battle Between Education and COVID-19

Back to School - A Battle Between Education and COVID-19

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Students are finally returning to school. But as parents, many are worried about COVID-19 safety. But while preparing to return to school, it is also essential to think about the other ways to keep your children safe and build an environment inclusive of everyone. 

Here are a few tips to help protect your children from this virus.

covid safety children school

If you have any questions regarding your child’s health or would like some medical advice you can consult a paediatrician or a general physician from the comfort of your home via the oDoc app. Click here to download oDoc now.

References:

  1. What Do Students Need This Back-to-School Season?, Raliance (2021)
  2. Be Back-to-School Ready, Weill Cornell Medicine (2021)
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Am I Just Having “Baby Blues” Or Do I Have Postpartum Depression?

postpartum depression

Am I Just Having “Baby Blues” Or Do I Have Postpartum Depression?

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You’ve just given birth. You’ve created a new life. Your body and mind have gone through a huge transformation over the last nine months. And now you have this whole other tiny human being that you need to care for and nurture. Obviously, you cannot go back to regular scheduled programming and you shouldn’t have to!

Even if you’ve been waiting so long for your baby and it is everything you’ve ever wanted and dreamed about, you are still bound to feel overwhelmed, emotional and maybe even moody. Let us shout it from the rooftops: THIS IS COMPLETELY NORMAL AND VERY COMMON FOR NEW MOTHERS.

Postpartum “baby blues” are extremely common. You’re operating on very little sleep, your hormones are on a rollercoaster, you’re adjusting to the realities of parenting a new baby so it’s no wonder you’re experiencing mood swings!

postpartum depression

But still you might be worrying about whether it is normal to feel this way. You might be wondering if this low feeling will go away in a few days or if you have something more serious, such as postpartum depression.

Symptoms of “baby blues”

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability and grumpiness
  • Exhaustion
  • Feeling joy and happiness one minute and then sadness the next
  • Unsure of your ability to take care of your baby
  • Trouble eating and taking care of your own health

How long are “blues” expected to last?

One important distinction between the “baby blues” and postpartum depression is that the “baby blues” are temporary. You are most likely going to experience “blues” for the first few days after giving birth. Symptoms that last more than two weeks might signal that you could have potentially developed postpartum depression and it is time to have a discussion with your doctor.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

  • Anger and irritability
  • Extremely low energy and wanting to sleep all the time
  • Feeling numb and disconnected from the people around you
  • Feeling you’ve failed as a mother
  • Thoughts of self-harm and thoughts of harming your baby
  • Crying excessively
  • Trouble bonding with your newborn

Postpartum depression does share many of the same moodiness as “baby blues” but symptoms are usually more intense and disturbing.

baby blues

Treatment for “baby blues”

Just because postpartum blues are very common doesn’t mean it’s easy to go through. Here’s what you can do to cope.

  • Assure yourself that what you’re feeling is completely normal and is experienced by all new mothers
  • Sleep as much as you can, which means sleeping when the baby is sleeping, or having your partner or family member look after the baby for an hour while you nap
  • Eat healthily and regularly
  • Exercise can do wonders! Even if its just a walk outside.
  • Talk about what you’re going through with loved ones or other mums
  • Don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t have the energy to do housework or other chores. You just had a baby!

Treatment for postpartum depression

If your baby “baby blues” don’t ease up after 2 weeks or if you’re experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, don’t wait till your next check up with your doctor. Get in touch right away.

You may feel ashamed or embarrassed that you’re feeling this way, especially after this magical thing has happened in your life but you’re not alone with these feelings. 1 in 5 women experience postpartum depression after childbirth. Your doctor may recommend medication and/or therapy. You can also make healthy choices in your lifestyle such as:

  • Talk to people you trust about what you’re going through
  • Cut back on other errands. Use your energy to take care of basic needs for you and your baby
  • Build community by speaking to other mothers, joining a depression support group or just reach out to trusted friends and family. Fight isolation.
  • Rest whenever you can. Reach out to close friends and family to take the baby shift so you can sleep for a few hours. This does not mean defeat.

Causes of postpartum depression

The exact cause isn’t clear but experts say that postpartum depression may be triggered by both physical and emotional factors.

  • Hormonal changes – While you’re pregnant, your levels of estrogen and progesterone are higher than usual. After you give birth, these hormone levels drop significantly. Such a drastic change in hormones can contribute to postpartum depression.
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Not eating meals at regular hours or eating an unhealthy diet
  • Social isolation
  • Underlying medical conditions
  • Alcohol and drug abuse

Risk factors of postpartum depression

Any new mother can experience postpartum depression after childbirth, even if its not their first baby. However, your risk increases if:

  • You have a history of depression
  • You’ve had postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy
  • You’ve had family members who’ve had depression or other mood disorders
  • You’ve experienced stressful events recently
  • You have difficulty breastfeeding
  • You have a weak support system
  • The pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted

Speak to a doctor on oDoc if you think you might be having the above symptoms. This is a judgement-free zone where your doctors will NOT shame you and will only help you to feel better. Click here to download the app. 

References:

  • Is It Postpartum Depression or ‘Baby Blues’?, 2021, WebMD
  • Do I have Postpartum Blues or Postpartum Depression, 2020, VeryWell Family
  • Everything You Need To Know About Postpartum Depression, 2016, Healthline
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Hey, new mum! Is there a right way to do this?

Thumbnail with title and image on a mother with her infant

Hey, new mum! Is there a right way to do this?

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new mom with baby

Why is my baby crying so much? Are they supposed to sleep at this time? Am I doing this right? Is it supposed to be this hard?

New mums, these are a few of the questions you may have asked yourself, your mother, mother-in-law or your paediatrician. It is extremely common for new mothers to feel confused and question everything because becoming a first-time parent is a new and complex experience. So, we at oDoc have answered six of the most commonly asked questions to help you out.

 

 1. How often should I feed my baby?

Every child is different and there is no ‘golden rule’ for how often you should feed your baby. If you are breastfeeding, you may have to feed them more often as breast milk gets digested faster than formula. It is recommended you nurse every 1.5-3 hours if you are breastfeeding and every 2-3 hours if you are giving formula. As they grow older the time between feeds will increase. 

Newborns are most likely to nurse eight to 12 times a day for the first month; when your child gets to be 4 to 8 weeks old, they’ll probably start nursing seven to nine times a day.

2. How do I know when my baby is hungry?

It’s difficult to distinguish between the sleepy-cries, carry-me-now – cries and hunger-cries. But watch out for the following cues your baby might give if they are hungry

  • Leaning toward your breast or a bottle
  • Sucking on their hands or fingers
  • Opening their mouth, sticking out their tongue, or puckering their lips
  • Fussiness and crying 

These may indicate that it is time for their next (which would feel like their 100th) meal for the day. 

3. How can I increase my milk supply?

It is common to worry about not producing enough milk. In fact, it is very common amongst new breastfeeding mothers. So you aren’t alone. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that approximately 75% of new mothers start off breastfeeding their babies, but many stop either partially or completely within the first few months. One of the most common reasons for this is the worry about insufficient milk production. Most women usually have sufficient milk production but if you are worried you could try the following: 

  • Try feeding more often – as your baby feeds, your pituitary gland releases hormones that are involved in lactation. 
  • Eat foods that are proven to increase milk production such as ginger, garlic and fenugreek.
  • Try feeding your baby from both breasts – stimulation of both breasts will increase milk production.
Mother holding her baby

 

4. Will I spoil my infant if I hold onto them too much?

No, absolutely not. Contrary to popular belief this is not true. You can’t spoil a baby by holding on to them or by giving them too much attention. In fact, giving them constant attention is crucial as it is the foundation for them to grow emotionally, physically and intellectually. So, next time someone says you are giving your baby too much attention, tell them you are just ensuring their needs are met, just like the good mom you are. 

5. Is this colour of poop normal?

This is probably a question you’ve asked yourself many times. Do you open the pamper and always examine the poop to make sure the colour is ‘normal’? But not sure what exactly the ‘normal’ baby poop colour is?  Below are what each coloured poop may actually mean (source: Healthline).  

Table comparing different colours of poop

6. How often should my baby poop?

Meconium, the newborns first poop, will pass in the first 24-48hours. After that, the bowel movement settles in, and the poop may be light brown, yellow, or yellow-green in colour. A baby should poop about 3 times a day when breastfed in the first 6 weeks. Some may even poop 4-12 times a day. After starting solids they can poop more than that. For formula-fed babies, 1-4 bowel movements per day, is expected. 

So next time these questions arise in your mind, we hope these answers will also pop up and calm you down a bit. We just wanted to say that we are sure you are doing an amazing job and there are many moms out there who are questioning the same things as you. If you have any questions regarding your baby’s health or would like some medical advice you can consult a paediatrician from the comfort of your home via the oDoc app. Click here to download oDoc now. 

Stay indoors and be proud of all you have achieved with your little one. 

 

Sources

Santos-Longhurst, A. (2018, May 7). 5 Ways to Increase Breast Milk Production. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/how-to-increase-breast-milk

Brody, B. (2015, July 23). Baby Feeding Schedule. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-feeding-schedule#1

UNICEF. (n.d.). Busted: 14 myths about breastfeeding. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/14-myths-about-breastfeeding

Prime, D. K., Garbin, C. P., Hartmann, P. E., & Kent, J. C. (2012). Simultaneous Breast Expression in Breastfeeding Women Is More Efficacious Than Sequential Breast Expression. Breastfeeding Medicine, 7(6), 442–447. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2011.0139

Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation. (n.d.). Herbs for Increasing Milk Supply. Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation. Fondation canadienne de l’allaitement. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://www.canadianbreastfeedingfoundation.org/induced/herbs.shtml



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