Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy

Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy is the transition whereby many mothers developed Gestational Diabetes due to gluconeogenesis, lipolysis of fatty acids and hormonal changes which resulted in high glucose level. During pregnancy, the body adjusts both its homeostatic mechanisms and physiological system in order to provide sufficient nutrients for the fetus growth and survival. Some of the changes include the following:

1. Hormonal Changes: (i) Elevated progesterone and oestrogen - suppress menstrual cycle. (ii) Elevated Prolactin - develop mammary gland. (iii) Placental lactogen - fatty acid metabolism, which resulted in the increase of glucose for fetus usage ultimately decreases maternal tissue sensitivity to insulin, resulting in gestational diabetes.

2. Metabolic Changes: (i) Lactogen and Cortisol - The increased in steroid hormones aid in the distribution of nutrients to fetal growth and fat deposition. (ii) Increase glucognoegenesis - making of more glucose by liver. Increase maternal glucose level and resulted in gestational diabetes during gestational pregnancy.

3. Physical Changes: Increase in weight during pregnancy due to increase fats deposition and growth of reproductive organs such as breast development and fetal tissues.

4. Cardiovascular Changes: (i) Aldosterone - Increase plasma volume or blood volume by approximate 40%. (ii) Increase heart rate. (iii) Blood pressure fluctuation.

5. Respiratory Changes: (i) Compression of the diaphragm by the uterus results in decrease functional residual in respiratory. (ii) Progesterone aid in maintaining an increased respiration rate.

In summary, gestational diabetes pregnancy may be seen as a common trait in all pregnant women, but controlling of individual blood glucose level is important in order for both healthy development of mother and fetus.