Which factor is known to increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus?

Choice A reason: HSV-2 is a viral infection that causes genital herpes. It is transmitted through sexual contact and can cause painful blisters and ulcers in the genital area. The primary infection is usually the most severe and lasts for several weeks. After the primary infection, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells and can reactivate periodically, causing recurrent episodes of genital herpes. The frequency and severity of the recurrences vary from person to person.

Choice B reason: HPV is a viral infection that causes genital warts and cervical cancer. It is transmitted through sexual contact and can infect the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area. The primary infection is often asymptomatic and may clear spontaneously or persist for years. HPV does not cause recurrent episodes of genital warts or cervical cancer, but it can increase the risk of developing these conditions over time.

Choice C reason: CMV is a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms and can affect various organs. It is transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, and semen. The primary infection is usually mild and may go unnoticed. After the primary infection, the virus remains latent in the body and can reactivate in people with weakened immune systems, causing serious complications. CMV does not cause recurrent episodes of flu-like symptoms or organ damage, but it can worsen the condition of people with HIV or AIDS.

Choice D reason: HIV is a viral infection that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusion, or sharing of needles. The primary infection is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms and lasts for a few weeks. After the primary infection, the virus gradually destroys the immune system and makes the person vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers. HIV does not cause recurrent episodes of flu-like symptoms or AIDS, but it can progress to AIDS over time.

The correct answer is A. You may find that you need to modify your exercise to walking later in your pregnancy, around the seventh month.

Choice A reason: This is the best advice for the woman, as it acknowledges that jogging is safe and beneficial in early pregnancy, but also informs her that she may need to adjust her exercise intensity and duration as her pregnancy progresses. Walking is a low-impact aerobic activity that can be done throughout pregnancy, as long as there are no complications or contraindications. Walking can help maintain cardiovascular fitness, prevent excessive weight gain, and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Choice B reason: This is not a good advice for the woman, as it implies that jogging is harmful for her joints and that she should stop it immediately. Jogging is not necessarily bad for the joints, as long as the woman wears appropriate shoes, avoids uneven surfaces, and listens to her body. Jogging can also provide many health benefits for the woman and the fetus, such as improved mood, increased energy, and reduced stress².

Choice C reason: This is a false and alarming statement that may discourage the woman from exercising at all. Exercise during pregnancy is not dangerous for the fetus, unless there are specific medical conditions or complications that prevent it. Exercise during pregnancy can actually improve the fetal growth, development, and oxygenation, as well as reduce the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

Choice D reason: This is an unrealistic and misleading statement that may cause the woman to overexert herself or ignore the signs of discomfort or fatigue. Exercise during pregnancy may need to be modified according to the woman's changing needs, abilities, and preferences. Some factors that may affect the type, frequency, intensity, and duration of exercise during pregnancy include the trimester, the fetal position, the maternal weight, the environmental temperature, and the presence of any symptoms or complications.