What is the cause of diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy?

Diabetes is a condition in which the sugar in your blood is more than what is normal. If you didn’t have diabetes before conceiving and developed it during your pregnancy due to various hormonal changes during your gestation, it is called gestational diabetics or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). If your testing confirms gestational diabetes, our first approach is conservative. Nutritional adjustments and adding a comfortable exercise regimen like daily walking may be all that some women require. Home monitoring of your blood sugar with a glucose monitor is also often provided. If necessary, medication is recommended. The food you consume passes through your digestive system and undergoes many processes and reactions and gets broken down into glucose, which is a type of sugar.

This glucose that enters your blood is converted into energy with the help of a hormone called Insulin. The cells in our body use this energy to function. The normal blood sugar ranges will be- Fasting- 70-100mg/dl 1 hour after meals- less than 140mg/dl When you are pregnant, due to various hormonal changes, the production of insulin by the pancreas is disturbed. For some pregnant ladies insulin produced is not sufficient enough to turn the glucose into energy. The unused glucose builds up resulting in high sugar levels in the blood. A high sugar level in blood is nothing but diabetes. Usually, gestational diabetes doesn’t show any symptoms. But sometimes you may feel thirstier, your trips to pee may increase, your mouth may be dry and you may get infections like thrush more often.

Sometimes blurred vision too. But often such physical changes like more wee and thirst are common when you are pregnant and so it is difficult to find out if you have diabetes just by looking at the symptoms. If you have high blood pressure your chance of getting diabetes during pregnancy is high. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, don’t worry much because the majority of ladies deliver healthy babies and have normal gestation if the diabetes is controlled with dietary changes and medications as per your doctor’s advice. But if not treated properly some problems (doctors will tell you) can occur to your pregnancy/delivery and your baby.

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What are the minimum days to show the symptoms of pregnancy?

One week after your missed period, most home pregnancy tests HPTs will give you accurate answers. Early signs of pregnancy can occur before a positive pregnancy test, which is associated with the secretion of the hormone HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin). Although this hormone detects in large numbers only after a missed menstruation, there are women who feel symptoms of pregnancy even before they miss their period.

Not to make a lot of burdens, here are some facts that need to pay attention to recognize the early symptoms of pregnancy. In the beginning, we should know that women and their pregnancies are different. Some feel the signs within one week after conception, while others come to realize only after the missing period and positive pregnancy test. Some women do not feel any symptoms. In addition to eliminating the possibility that the symptoms associated with something else unrelated to pregnancy. Also, women differently feel pregnancy. Some do not change their daily activities until just before birth, while others change their habits from the start. It is quite normal that pregnancy changes emotional state creates fears and doubts about pregnancy and childbirth as well as anticipation and excitement.


As soon as you suspect you are pregnant, you should visit the doctor or do a pregnancy test. If you are pregnant it is crucial to learn as much as you can about pregnancy and how to take care of yourself and the baby growing inside you. Cigarettes, alcohol and certain drugs can harm the unborn child so you should immediately discontinue their use. Yes, as the baby is now growing inside you, you will experience new feelings. Feeling of loss of appetite and weakness too. You might feel tired. You will feel some changes in your breasts. They will increase in size and sometimes are painful. Please don’t worry if you feel irritable and depressed as these are all due to hormonal changes inside you. But remember if you have severe pain in the abdomen or reddish discharge from vagina please consult your doctor immediately.

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What are some healthy activities to do during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a very unique phase one could even witness in her life. Follow up with the general schedule for an uncomplicated pregnancy: From the beginning of your pregnancy through 28 weeks you will have a monthly appointment. From 28-36 weeks, you will have an appointment every 2 – 3 weeks. From 36 weeks until delivery, you will have a weekly appointment. Before beginning any exercise program, talk with your doctor to make sure you do not have any obstetric or health conditions that would limit your activity.

Ask about any specific exercise or sports that interest you. Your doctor can offer advice about what type of exercise routine is best for you. The extra weight you are carrying will make your body work harder than before you were pregnant. Exercise increases the flow of oxygen and blood to the muscles being worked and away from other parts of your body. Therefore, it is important to not overdo it. Try to exercise moderately so you don’t get tired quickly. If you are able to talk normally while exercising, your heart rate is at an acceptable level. Staying active is great for you and the baby. If you have an uncomplicated pregnancy you can continue your current exercise regimen with a few modifications. Routine dental work is safe during pregnancy and we encourage you to keep up with your normal dental health routine.

Keep track of when you feel nauseated and what causes it. If continued vomiting occurs, do not eat or drink anything until the vomiting has stopped. As you feel better, try some small amounts of clear liquids (broth, Jello, apple, grape or cranberry juice, and / or popsicles.) A certain amount of swelling (called edema) is normal during pregnancy. It occurs most often in the legs. Elevating the legs usually reduces the swelling by the next morning. Swelling can begin during the last few months of pregnancy, and it may occur more often in the summer. Let your doctor or nurse know if you have swelling in your hands or face, because this may be a sign of another problem. A clue that your hands are swollen is that your rings are too tight. Never take medications (water pills) for swelling unless they have been prescribed for you by your OB/GYN. At least half of all pregnant women seem to have problems with constipation. One reason for this may be changes in hormones that slow the movement of food through the digestive tract your uterus may add to the problem. Here are some suggestions that may help:

• Drink plenty of liquids at least 6-8 glasses of water each day, including 1-2 glasses of fruit juice such as prune juice.

• Liquids (such as coffee, tea and cola) which make you go to the bathroom should not be ingested. They will tend to create a negative water balance in your body and thus make your stools harder and more difficult to pass.

• Eat food high in fiber, such as raw fruits and vegetables and bran cereals.

• Exercise daily. Walking is a good form of exercise.

• Senokot, Doxidan, Metamucil, Colace, Milk of Magnesia and other gentle stool softeners are safe to use in pregnancy In the last three months of pregnancy, you may find that you have more leg cramps.

Get plenty of calcium (three glasses of milk or a supplement) and potassium (oranges or bananas). Stretching your legs before going to bed can help relieve cramps. Avoid pointing your toes when stretching or exercising. Your prenatal vitamins should be the only supplement used during pregnancy unless your doctor specifically directs you to use an additional product.


Prenatal vitamins are vital in the wake of the increased demands of pregnancy. Growing a new person isn’t easy on your body, and you will require additional vitamins and minerals in your diet—like folic acid, calcium, and iron—for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Rather than just selecting a prenatal vitamin yourself, talk to your doctor or midwife about if you need a special formulation (i.e., in cases of anemia or nutritional deficiencies), and if a tablet, capsule, or liquid prenatal vitamin will work most efficiently. You can do your part to prevent stretch marks by drinking lots of water to keep skin hydrated, by massaging your skin daily with a moisturizer or oil that’s high in vitamin A and vitamin E (i.e., cocoa butter) to prevent stretch marks, and increase circulation and tissue repair; and by consuming a diet that’s rich in skin-supporting vitamins—E, C, A, and zinc.

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Why are fever tablet avoided during pregnancy?

Pregnancy needs special care and concern in every trimester. Every day of pregnancy adds something to the baby’s growth. Whatever a mother eats her baby gets the direct nutrients to it. Pregnancy days are not the normal ones where you can eat a Disprin for a headache. Everything you take has got a direct impact on the baby’s development and health. There are very clear guidelines on what over the counter medications and prescription medications are safe and unsafe to take in pregnancy. These medications can cause preterm labor or early miscarriages or high bleeding. Your prenatal provider should have a list available for you and there are many reputable resources online that also provide detailed lists. Always ask your doctor or midwife first before taking any medication.

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What are the exercises during pregnancy?

Being fit during your pregnancy period is an essential part of your journey. You can educate your family by impressing upon them the need and benefits of exercise during pregnancy which are enumerated as follows:

• Exercise for energy: Pregnancy can deplete energy. Exercises such as walking strengthen and tone the muscles and rejuvenate women to carry on with their day-to-day tasks with lesser strain. Additionally, exercise improves overall blood circulation and keeps energy levels high.

• Exercise for easier labor: Childbirth is a difficult process and exercise during pregnancy will help increase flexibility, endurance, and muscle control which are necessary for labor and delivery, thereby helpful in an easier labor.

• Exercise to reduce pregnancy-associated discomfort: Pregnancy is accompanied by minor aches and pains. Exercises such as muscle stretches, walking, swimming, etc., strengthen various parts of the body like the back and abdominal muscles.

• Exercise to prepare you and your body for birth: Strong muscles and a fit heart can greatly ease labor and delivery. Gaining control over your breathing can help you manage pain. And in the event of a lengthy labor, increased endurance can be a real help.

• Strengthening muscle groups: Muscle groups that are most important to exercise during pregnancy. The three muscle groups that a pregnant woman should target are 
A) Abdominal muscles: Strengthening of these muscles will make it easier to support the increasing weight of the baby. 
B) Pelvic muscles: Strengthening of these muscles will permit the Vagina to widen more easily during childbirth and also prevent urinary problems (leaking urine when you cough or sneeze) after delivery. 
C) Back muscles: Strengthening of back muscles will improve the posture and minimize the strain of pregnancy on the lower back and help prevent discomfort caused by poor posture.

• Exercise to reduce stress: Pregnancy is a mixture of elation and anxiety and pregnant women often find themselves swinging from one to the other, which can be quite stressful. Physical exercises increase mood-elevating chemicals in the brain and thereby reduce pregnancy-related blues.

• Exercise to look better: Exercise increases the blood flow to your skin, giving you a healthy glow

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What are the tips for a healthy baby and an easier pregnancy?

A mother‘s delight starts when she hears that little heartbeats of her baby and those frolicsome kicks that keep her loneliness apart. The curiosity of mothers always stirs just to know how her baby is growing, is he fine? As the pregnancy starts some tips are always to be kept in mind ensuring that whatever you are going to entertain, complete impact on your baby is there.

1. Keep yourself Happy and in a cheerful mood.

2. Always make sure you take Prenatal Vitamins.

3. Don’t load on extra calories with the fact that you have to eat for your baby also, as t can lead to Gestational Diabetes and Obesity.

4. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and keep yourself away from any sort of infections.

5. Go for brisk walking daily to ensure a healthy pregnancy, so that it is easy for you to reduce postpartum.

6. Avoid Pineapple and Papaya completely.

7. Yoga and Meditation are the best choices you should opt for.

8. Prep your skin so as to get rid of stretch marks and avoid them.

9. Avoid overeating which can cause heartburn.


10. Surround yourself with positivity, start some stories, read books and take sufficient sleep. A healthy pregnancy starts with you, initiate to the best and trust me the moment you hold your baby in your arms would be the most precious one of all.

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What are your biggest nutrition questions during pregnancy?

Diet places a very crucial role in pregnancy. Write the amount of nutritious diet intake is very essential in pregnancy as it will not only affect your baby as well. Make sure you are having a healthy and balanced diet that include all fruit and vegetables, all dairy products, lentils, lean meat, eggs, poultry, all cereals, healthy fats. Just make yourself aware of some food that you have to strictly avoid during your pregnancy.
You should avoid raw, undercooked eggs as they contain harmful salmonella bacteria which cause food poisoning. Undercooked and raw meat and poultry, such as pink or raw meat that is bloody contains Toxoplasma parasite and harmful bacteria Salmonella. Salmonella increases the risk of food poisoning and leads to miscarriage or fetal death during delivery also. You can eat homemade well-cooked and hot meat and poultry. Fish containing mercury can damage your nervous system, immune system, and kidneys and also cause serious developmental problems in children if consumed unpasteurized milk and fruit juices contain an array of harmful bacteria which leads to bacterial contamination.
Avoid Papayas, especially the unripe and semi-ripe ones are rich in latex, which can cause uterine contractions and create complications. Avoid Pineapple as it can break down proteins in the body and lead to abnormal bleeding. Caffeine intake should be to less than 200 mg per day, or about 2–3 cups of coffee while pregnancy, taking high caffeine during pregnancy should restrict fetal growth and increase the risk of low birth weight at delivery. Avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy as it increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. It can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which involves facial deformities, heart defects, and mental retardation.

In the second trimester, you can have food that is rich in calcium and vitamin D, which is necessary for baby's bones and teeth development and omega-3 fatty acids rich food, which are important for your baby's brain development.
In the third trimester, you can have food that will boost your energy, just when you need it most. Also have foods that contain vitamin K, which helps your body to heal well after birth. Eat small meals frequently, and ensure they are nutritious and contain lots of fruits and vegetables. Avoid oily food and foods that may upset the stomach, such as carbonated drinks, spicy foods, and processed meats. Your diet can be the leading cause of heartburn; managing this can help avoid heartburn during pregnancy. Continue folic acid tablets during pregnancy. A healthy intake of the food with perfect nutritional analysis assures that the baby development has got the perfect beginning.

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