UNILAG Don Advocates Universal Screening of Pregnant Women for GDM

A Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Lagos, Professor Omololu Adegbola has advocated universal screening of all pregnant women for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy.

This advocacy formed part of Prof. Adegbola’s recommendations while delivering the University’s twelfth Inaugural lecture in the 2023/2024 Academic Session on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the J.F. Ade Ajayi (Main) Auditorium of UNILAG, Akoka.

Titled The Travails of Motherhood: Medical Complications in Pregnancy, a Determinant of Maternal and Fetal Future Health, the inaugural lecture buttressed the importance and indispensability of optimal care before and during pregnancy, during delivery as well as post-delivery to ensure positive pregnancy experience.

He took the gathering through the various stages of pregnancy, particularly the periconceptional period which covers the preconception and early conception phase. He pointed out the role of this period in determining the survival and quality of life of both the fetus and the mother.

Prof Adegbola warned against lack of or inadequate micronutrients and vitamins during the preconception window which could result in abnormal development of the placenta and increased risk of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH). He also emphasized the importance of adequate nutrition, especially during pregnancy to prevent Intrauterine Fetal Growth Restriction (IUGR) as well as preterm births with Cardiovascular and Metabolic effects which could adversely affect childhood and adult life of the baby.

While soliciting an upgrade of medical care in many tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, the inaugural lecturer advocated the need for more awareness on pre-pregnancy clinics to ensure women are in good health before pregnancy. He called for early bookings for antenatal sessions once pregnancy is achieved, as well as prompt attendance of subsequent appointments to prevent and identify any complications that may result in adverse pregnancy outcome.

Born in Lagos on January 7, 1969, Professor Omololu Adegbola joined the service of the University of Lagos in March 2005 as Lecturer I, became a Senior Lecturer in October 2009, an Associate Professor in July 2015 and a Full Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in October, 2020.

Professor Adegbola is a Postgraduate Examiner at the National Postgraduate Medical College Nigeria, he has supervised and still supervises several Postgraduate Researches leading to Fellowship of clinical specialties especially Fellowships of the Medical College in Obstetrics & Gynaecology of Nigeria, He is affiliated with several national and international professional bodies.

Source: UNILAG