Background: The prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is increasing continuously worldwide and in recent years it is emerging as a major public health challenge in India. GDM is a common complication during pregnancy that can fatally affect the outcome of pregnancy, hence early diagnosis and appropriate measures are essential. The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors affecting GDM in rural, Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods: A cross-sectional community based study was conducted among 605 pregnant women registered at Primary Health Center (PHC) of Harhua block of Varanasi district Uttar Pradesh. Following DIPSI Guideline, One step OGTT with two hours after taking 75 gm oral glucose irrespective of last meal was used and screen by Glucometer. The plasma glucose level of ≥140 mg/dL was taken as cutoff for confirm the GDM in pregnant women. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20 Software. Results: The mean age of pregnant women was found to be 24.39 ± 3.17, ranging between 17 and 36 years. 46 out of 605 pregnant women (7.6%) were diagnosed as having GDM. The age (X 2 =42.42; P<.01), educational status (X 2 =16.72; P<.01) and BMI (X 2 = 53.58; p<.01) of pregnant women were significantly associated with prevalence of GDM. Moreover higher age (AOR= 9.33, 95% CI: 3.20-27.19; p<.01) and obesity (AOR= 17.96, p<.01) were seen as significant and strong predictor of GDM. Conclusions: This study has shown the prevalence of GDM in all socio-demographic categories, especially in pregnant women with high age and high BMI. GDM can lead to type-2 diabetes in pregnant women later on after delivery. Proper awareness about antenatal care and use of mobile medical units in the screening and diagnosis of GDM can play an important role in ensuring better maternal and fetal health.

Background: A great deal of research evidence indicates that inappropriate antenatal care (ANC) increases the likelihood of maternal morbidity and maternal mortality. The adverse effects can be minimized if pregnant women are aware to ensure necessary registration, regular antenatal check-ups, and early diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy. The present study was conducted to explore the ANC awareness of pregnant women and its association with socio-demographic factors.Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted on 605 pregnant women who registered were at the primary health center (PHC) of Harhua block of Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh. The self-developed ANC awareness schedule (ACAS) was used to assess the ANC awareness of pregnant women. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 20 software.Results: Among 605 study participants, the majority of them (62.48%) were in the age group of 20–25 years. Out of 10.74% of study participants were illiterate while only 21.65% were graduated. Most of the pregnant women were from the lower middle class (44.30%), and only 3.47% belonged to the upper class. The study reveals that 57.36% of pregnant women were found to be aware of ANC. Out of 86.61% of pregnant women knew that regular antenatal check-up was necessary once they became pregnant. Socio-demographic variables such as category, education, occupation, and socioeconomic status of pregnant women were found to be significantly associated with ANC awareness.Conclusions: The level of awareness regarding ANC among pregnant women was not found satisfactory. They do not have proper knowledge and awareness about the various parameters of ANC. Improving awareness of ANC among pregnant women will enable them to detect high-risk pregnancies at the right time, which will also increase their chances of a healthy delivery.