Kathmandu, May 22

The number of women suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy is on the rise in the valley, according gynecologists.

Obesity, overweight of the baby in the womb, recurrence of fungal infection, late pregnancy are some of the factors that cause diabetes and high blood pressure in pregnant women, according to Dr Manor Din Shaiyed, consultant gynaecologist at Manmohan Memorial Teaching Hospital, Swoyambhu.

From among the pregnant women visiting the hospital, five per cent are found to be suffering from diabetes during their pregnancy, said doctor Shaiyed.

Similarly, seven per cent women are found to be suffering from high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

“Seventy per cent of pregnant women, who take non-vegetarian food, have the risk of being overweight and as a result develop gestational diabetes mellitus,” said Dr Shaiyed.

“Diabetes is risky during pregnancy as it can lead to abortion, premature labour pain, infection, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, renal failure and polyhydramnios. It can also lead to birth of a child with multiple abnormalities. Therefore, it is necessary to control diabetes during pregnancy,” added the doctor.

The rate of women suffering from pregnancy induced hypertension too is on the rise.

“Pregnancy induced hypertension occurs when the blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg after 20 weeks of pregnancy. There is risk for such women to develop fits or convulsion. This state called eclampsia can be life threatening if timely medical intervention is not sought,” added Dr Shaiyed

Prevention of hypertension, regular visit to gynaecologists, intake of calcium supplements and antioxidants, balanced diet — rich in fruits and vegetables — are necessary to help a woman remain healthy during pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.