Pregnant Women Knowledge On The Consequence And Risks Factors Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus And Self Care Measures In Uyo

Diabetes mellitus is a common complication in pregnancy. Its classification has been reviewed to reflect the various aetiological factors. Pre-conception care, early antenatal bookings dedicated multidisciplinary ante natal care, and delivery in a centre with neonatal facility would reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the condition.

The study is aimed at accessing the Knowledge and attitude of gestational diabetes among pregnant women attending Uyo maternal and child centre Akwa-Ibom state. 250 pregnant women were recruited for the study, all in their second and third trimesters attending Uyo maternal and child centre Akwa-Ibom state. Questionnaires were administered on each woman and data was collected. Results showed presence of risk factors among respondents.

These includes having miscarriages, stillbirths, glucosuria, having GDM in previous pregnancies, history of diabetes in first degree relative, being obese, being delivered of large and small babies in previous pregnancies etc. 11.2% of the respondents were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus in this pregnancy. This could be attributed to lack of adequate exercise and feeding among respondents. Recommendations in this study include prenatal counseling, antenatal care, exercises, eating balanced diet etc. by pregnant women to improve maternal and child health and reduce morbidity and mortality of both mother and child.