High Blood Pressure and Diabetes During Pregnancy Pose Serious Health Risks

Lahore: High blood pressure and diabetes during pregnancy can lead to severe complications, endangering both the mother and the baby’s health. These conditions increase the risk of miscarriage, while uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause further complications, including high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and body swelling.

Renowned gynecologist and Principal of Ameer Uddin Medical College, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Al-Fareed Zafar, emphasized these concerns during a special lecture on “Gestational Diabetes and Its Preventive Measures.”

Importance of Regular Medical Checkups

Prof. Zafar stressed that pregnant women must maintain regular contact with their doctors to ensure both their own and their baby’s well-being. He urged gynecologists to conduct regular medical examinations and necessary tests to detect and manage complications early.

“If both mother and baby are healthy during pregnancy, the child will develop normally. However, diabetes-related complications can hinder the baby’s growth, leading to either very low or excessive birth weight, which increases the chances of an emergency C-section,” he explained.

Impact of Diabetes on Pregnancy

Prof. Zafar highlighted that diabetes during pregnancy can also cause high blood pressure, which may lead to organ damage in the baby and increase the risk of congenital heart disease.

Women already diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes before pregnancy should consult their doctor before planning for a baby to prevent severe complications.

Temporary Gestational Diabetes and Its Risks

Many women develop temporary Type 2 diabetes during pregnancy, which usually resolves after childbirth. However, complications during pregnancy can lead to serious consequences, including abnormal fetal development, restricted baby growth, and poor weight gain.

In some cases, diabetes causes excessive fetal weight gain, which poses risks to both the mother and the baby, sometimes making surgical intervention necessary.

Raising Awareness for a Healthier Future

Prof. Zafar stressed that lack of health awareness among women leads to increased complications during pregnancy, endangering both lives and increasing the risk of disabilities.

“This is a collective issue for our society. Health professionals must step forward and create awareness so that we can build a healthier future for mothers and children,” he concluded.

Regular prenatal care, proper medical supervision, and awareness can significantly reduce pregnancy-related risks and ensure a safe delivery for both mother and baby.