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

Choice A reason: Diabetes mellitus is not a direct consequence of inadequate weight gain during pregnancy for the infant. However, maternal diabetes can increase the risk of fetal macrosomia (large birth weight), congenital anomalies, and neonatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in the infant.

Choice B reason: Down syndrome is not a direct consequence of inadequate weight gain during pregnancy for the infant. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 in the cells of the fetus. The risk of having a baby with Down syndrome increases with maternal age, but it is not related to maternal weight or nutrition².

Choice C reason: Spina bifida is not a direct consequence of inadequate weight gain during pregnancy for the infant. Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly in the fetus. The main risk factor for spina bifida is a lack of folic acid (a B vitamin) in the mother's diet before and during pregnancy.

Choice D reason: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition in which the fetus does not grow as expected and has a low birth weight. IUGR can have many causes, such as placental problems, infections, chromosomal abnormalities, and maternal factors. One of the maternal factors that can contribute to IUGR is inadequate weight gain during pregnancy, especially in underweight women. IUGR can increase the risk of complications for the infant, such as preterm birth, low Apgar score, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and breathing problems⁵.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain that is not associated with any underlying condition. It usually begins with the onset of menstruation and lasts for a few days. It does not cause pain during intercourse or infertility.

Choice B reason: This is correct because endometriosis is a condition where the endometrial tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic organs. It causes chronic inflammation, scarring, and adhesions that can result in severe pain during menstruation and intercourse, as well as infertility.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because secondary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain that is caused by an underlying condition, such as fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or adenomyosis. It usually develops later in life and lasts longer than primary dysmenorrhea. It may or may not cause pain during intercourse or infertility, depending on the condition.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome, which is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that occur before menstruation. It may include mood swings, irritability, bloating, headaches, or breast tenderness. It does not cause severe pain during menstruation or intercourse, or infertility.