The transition from pregnancy to motherhood in women with type 2 diabetes: A longitudinal qualitative study

To explore how women with type 2 diabetes experience the transition from early pregnancy to postpartum.

A longitudinal qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 13 women with type 2 diabetes at three time points: early pregnancy, late pregnancy and 2-4 months postpartum. Twelve women completed all three interviews. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis.

Women's experiences changed across the three phases. Early pregnancy was characterised by feeling overwhelmed, with intensified type 2 diabetes treatment demands and increased burden of self-care. Late pregnancy involved a gradual adaptation and shift in focus towards the fetus. Postpartum focused on reprioritisation, where diabetes often receded into the background alongside reduced support from their family and friends and disruptions in continuity of care. Across the phases, responsibility for the fetus and availability of support shaped women's experiences.

In this study, the transition to motherhood among women with type 2 diabetes was experienced as a dynamic and phase-dependent process, in which needs and challenges varied before, during and after pregnancy. The findings underline the importance of preparing women for diabetes-related changes in self-care and treatment both pregestationally and antenatally, and of providing access to structured and continuous postpartum care.