Nursing Care for Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus During Pregnancy

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition in which pregnant women’s blood sugar levels become high. The increase in GDM is a worldwide trend High blood sugar levels can have severe effect on pregnant women’s and fetus’ health and can result in death. Pregnant women with GDM may also experience pregnancy induced hypertension, preterm birth, obstructed-labor, postpartum hemorrhage, and postpartum infection. The fetuses or newborns may suffer macrosomia, hypoglycemia, polycythemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and death fetus in utero. Therefore, all pregnant women should be screened for diabetes using medical history interviews, clinical high-risk assessments, and blood sugar tests. Pregnant women who are at high risk for GDM should be screened during their first visit at an antenatal care unit or as soon as possible.  If the initial results of the diabetes mellitus screenings are normal, they should be screened again at approximately 24-28 weeks of gestation. Women with GDM should take proper care of themselves with regard to nutrition, blood sugar control, exercise, medications to control diabetes, and monitoring treatments. During childbirth and the postpartum period, they should watch for signs of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, take precautions to prevent infections, and identify any abnormal signs or symptoms that they need to see health care providers. This is important for keeping pregnant women and their infants healthy by reducing the risk of experiencing other complications and dangers. The aim of this paper is to the present basic information about GDM, its screening, its effects on maternal and fetal health, and the care guidelines for women with GDM.