Iron deficiency anemia often occurs during pregnancy as a result of

Choice A reason: Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system are not a common complication of GDM, as they usually occur in the first trimester, before GDM develops. However, GDM can increase the risk of other congenital anomalies, such as cardiac defects or neural tube defects.

Choice B reason: Preterm birth is a possible complication of GDM, as it can be caused by maternal hypertension, preeclampsia, or placental abruption. However, it is not the most likely complication, as GDM can also delay the onset of labor and prolong the pregnancy.

Choice C reason: Low birth weight is not a typical complication of GDM, as it is more associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which is caused by placental insufficiency. GDM can cause the opposite problem, which is excessive fetal growth.

Choice D reason: Macrosomia is the most common complication of GDM, as it is defined as a birth weight of more than 4,000 grams (8.8 pounds). It is caused by the excess glucose crossing the placenta and stimulating the fetal insulin production, which leads to increased fat deposition and organ enlargement. Macrosomia can increase the risk of birth trauma, shoulder dystocia, and neonatal hypoglycemia.

Choice A reason: You can receive an influenza vaccination during pregnancy, as it is safe and recommended for pregnant women. The flu vaccine can protect you and your baby from serious complications of influenza, such as pneumonia, preterm labor, and low birth weight. The flu vaccine can also provide some immunity to your baby for the first few months of life. ¹

Choice B reason: You can receive the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy, as it is safe and recommended for pregnant women. The Tdap vaccine can protect you and your baby from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis can be very dangerous for newborns, as it can cause severe coughing, breathing problems, and even death. The Tdap vaccine can also provide some immunity to your baby for the first few months of life.

Choice C reason: You should not receive a varicella vaccine before you deliver, as it is not recommended for pregnant women. The varicella vaccine can protect you and your baby from chickenpox, which can cause serious complications such as skin infections, pneumonia, and birth defects. However, the varicella vaccine is a live vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the virus that can cause infection in some people. Therefore, it is not safe for pregnant women or their babies.

Choice D reason: You should not receive the rubella vaccine while breastfeeding, as it is not recommended for breastfeeding women. The rubella vaccine can protect you and your baby from rubella, which can cause serious complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects. However, the rubella vaccine is a live vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the virus that can cause infection in some people. Therefore, it is not safe for breastfeeding women or their babies.