A Study on the Effects of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity on Pregnancy Outcomes in Relation with the Microstructural Alterations of the Placenta

Abstract

Safe pregnancy outcomes are an individual and universal goal. Conditions such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and obesity complicate pregnancy. There is a worldwide increase in both GDM and obesity, in particular from developing nations and the health risk has reached pandemic proportions. GDM and obesity have been implicated in adverse health outcomes for the mother and the offspring, in the short- and long term. Indian guidelines for obesity vary from international guidelines, thereby necessitating studies on pregnant women based on Indian guidelines. newlineThe placenta, is a foeto-maternal organ that mediates the metabolic effects of altered uterine and maternal environment on the foetus. GDM has been associated with altered placental macrostructural and microstructural changes. There is no clear consensus on the other macroscopic changes and microstructural alterations in the GDM placenta. Also the effect of increased body mass index (BMI) on the GDM placenta has not been studied extensively in Indian context newline