Experiences and perceptions of pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus: A qualitative study

The current antenatal care for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus in Cyprus does not adequately address their informational and emotional needs, resulting in significant gaps in support and overall care quality.

Pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus are classified as high-risk, with studies highlighting both diabetes-related distress and significant impacts on maternal and fetal health.

To explore the experiences and perceptions of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus in Cyprus to identify areas for improvement.

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Cyprus in 2020, using purposive sampling. Ten (N = 10) women with gestational diabetes mellitus and a gestational age greater than 30 weeks were included. Data was collected through a Facebook group page via semi-structured interviews and then analysed using thematic analysis.

Participants' experiences and perceptions were categorised into four themes: 1) feelings aroused after gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosis, 2) blood glucose maintenance, 3) family-related factors, and 4) suggestions for respectful care. Therefore, deep need for further information emerged throughout the four key themes which led to the development of a core theme identified as the "Overwhelming Need for Knowledge".

Antenatal care in Cyprus for managing gestational diabetes mellitus requires improvements in empowering and educating women and their families, emphasising the need for midwives to be involved in enhancing women's experiences through antenatal education.