How much weight is safe to gain during pregnancy

I’m 22 weeks pregnant and have put on weight quickly: ten pounds.

My mother had gestational diabetes and I’m concerned this might happen to me too.

>>Congratulations on your pregnancy. Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy when the body is not able to make enough insulin. This raises the blood-sugar level higher than normal. This usually resolves after delivery. Gestational diabetes occurs in 2-5% of pregnancies.

Weight gain during pregnancy will vary, as every woman’s body will respond differently. It will also depends on your pre-pregnancy weight. According to the World Health Organisation, for women with a normal pre-pregnancy weight, a weight gain of 10-14 kg during the pregnancy is associated with the lowest risk of complications.

It is important to have a healthy diet during pregnancy, and you should eat sensibly: you need 2,500 calories a day. Your diet should include bread, pasta and rice, lean meat, fish and eggs, and fruit and vegetables. Include foods that contain plenty of iron, calcium and folic acid. Cut down on fizzy and sugary drinks, but make sure that you are getting enough fluids. Reduce your intake of coffee, biscuits, crisps, cakes and chocolate. Gentle exercise is advised every day, so try 10-15 minutes of walking.

It is important that your obstetric team is aware of your family history, and, if you have not already done so, you need to advise them at your next visit. They will be able to reassure you and to monitor you throughout your pregnancy.

| We recently got a letter from the school, saying there has been a small outbreak of impetigo. What can I do to ensure my children do not contract the infection?

>>Impetigo is a common, contagious skin infection that mainly affects children and can be passed by touching. The common cause is a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. It is less commonly caused by streptococcus group A. The rash occurs about 4-10 days after coming in to contact with the bacteria. Small blisters develop and then burst to leave a distinctive yellow, gold or brown crust on the skin. It usually clears within 2-3 weeks. Depending on how severe and extensive the infection, treatment is usually with antibiotic cream, since it is contagious, or an oral antibiotic. Everyone in the family needs to be scrupulous about hand-washing thoroughly and frequently. Until the outbreak has passed, I would advise not sharing towels or face cloths.

Should any of the children develop impetigo, it is important to follow your GP’s advice on treatment and:

* Avoid touching or scratching the sores.

* Wash hands frequently and do not share towels and face cloths.

You should also wash your hands thoroughly after applying antibiotic cream.

If any of the children develops a rash, make an appointment with your GP, who can examine the child and advise as to the best form of management, including whether the child needs to be kept out of school until the sores have crusted over.