02 May 2016

Dr Olataga Alofivae Doorbiinia

Risk factors 1. Overweight Body mass index( BMI) greater than 30 2. Maternal age over the age of 25 years 3. Certain ethnic groups- Asian, Pacific women, Maori women 4. Western diet- High carbohydrate, High fat and sugar intake predisposes becoming overweight before they become pregnant. 5. Previous gestational diabetes 6. Hypertension 7. Poor previous baby deliveries

Screening during pregnancy. 1. If a Samoan pregnant lady has any of these problems – she should be screened very early in the pregnancy for gestational diabetes. 2. The test is a special sugar drink- 75 gm sugar intake and blood sugar is measured 3. If the mother is diagnosed- we will be referred to the Diabetic team in the local hospital and it becomes a priority to look at the antenatal clinic. She is then assessed how to manage, she would go on

a special diet, and may need medications such as insulin to keep her sugar levels under control and stop the baby from getting too big.

4. All pregnant women are screened at 20- 28 weeks, but our Samoan pregnant ladies should be screened earlier. It is very important to screen to prevent bad comes for Mum and the baby.

Complications to the Samoan Pregnant woman 1. Can develop early labour 2. Increased complications in the labour- dangerous vaginal delivery 3. Post delivery- large bleed 4. Instrumental delivery- forceps or vacuum

5. Vaginal delivery – end up an emergency caesarean section- Unwanted effects to the Baby 1. Large, but floppy baby – over 4 kg- refer

to the baby picture 2. Birth defects 3. Shoulder damage to the baby- shoulder dystocia – as it gets blocked in the birth canal 4. Birth trauma due to hypoxia – baby got stuck as too big for the birth canal- can brain damage to the newborn baby

Message to young Mums and all pregnant ladies. 1. Be screened for Diabetes before pregnancy, during and 6 weeks after delivery 2. Be careful with the weight gain, if concerned talk to the GP and the hospital doctors 3. See your doctor before you want to get pregnant to plan your pregnancy 4. Book early to the Hospital 5. Nutrition – is very important to plan, look at foods that will give you and baby energy and provide good vitamins. 6. Good planning and then follow up with the local GP or Hospital will ensure a healthy out come.

If you would like to ask or find out more, please contact the cheif editor of Australia Samoa, Iniini Samoa or contact, Powell St Family Practice – we are on the Face book and we would be delighted to make an appointment with you or your family to help to plan a good pregnancy or a healthy outcome and prevent or screen for gestational Diabetes

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