What is the postpartum experience of Danish women following gestational diabetes? A qualitative exploration
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What is the postpartum experience of Danish women following gestational diabetes? A qualitative exploration. / Svensson, Line; Kragelund Nielsen, Karoline; Terkildsen Maindal, Helle.
In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2018, p. 756-764.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - What is the postpartum experience of Danish women following gestational diabetes?
T2 - A qualitative exploration
AU - Svensson, Line
AU - Kragelund Nielsen, Karoline
AU - Terkildsen Maindal, Helle
N1 - © 2017 Nordic College of Caring Science.
PY - 2018
Y1 - 2018
N2 - BACKGROUND: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) receive acute but short-term care during pregnancy. There is less direct support during the postpartum period; women are offered general advice on how to follow a healthy lifestyle to avoid developing future type 2 diabetes. Observational studies suggest that a substantial proportion of women with prior GDM do not sustain recommended lifestyle changes postpartum. In a qualitative study, we examined how Danish women diagnosed with GDM experience the transition from a GDM-affected pregnancy to the postpartum period.METHODS: Semistructured interviews with six women diagnosed with GDM. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.RESULTS: A GDM diagnosis was accompanied by worries about the health of the woman's baby. This was also the driving force behind the women's motivation to engage in lifestyle changes during pregnancy. The outpatient treatment was perceived to be strict and associated with various challenges, including cravings and discomfort. After the delivery, taking care of the baby became the women's dominant focus. Social and emotional support from partners were needed to maintain motivation and prioritise a healthy lifestyle. The women's experience of the health system varied. However, in the postpartum period all the women experienced limited interaction and initiative from their healthcare providers in supporting them to engage in a healthy lifestyle.CONCLUSIONS: This study identified barriers and facilitators to sustaining a healthy lifestyle postpartum. Efforts at multiple levels - including the individual, family and health system - are needed to facilitate and support a healthy lifestyle among women with prior GDM.
AB - BACKGROUND: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) receive acute but short-term care during pregnancy. There is less direct support during the postpartum period; women are offered general advice on how to follow a healthy lifestyle to avoid developing future type 2 diabetes. Observational studies suggest that a substantial proportion of women with prior GDM do not sustain recommended lifestyle changes postpartum. In a qualitative study, we examined how Danish women diagnosed with GDM experience the transition from a GDM-affected pregnancy to the postpartum period.METHODS: Semistructured interviews with six women diagnosed with GDM. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.RESULTS: A GDM diagnosis was accompanied by worries about the health of the woman's baby. This was also the driving force behind the women's motivation to engage in lifestyle changes during pregnancy. The outpatient treatment was perceived to be strict and associated with various challenges, including cravings and discomfort. After the delivery, taking care of the baby became the women's dominant focus. Social and emotional support from partners were needed to maintain motivation and prioritise a healthy lifestyle. The women's experience of the health system varied. However, in the postpartum period all the women experienced limited interaction and initiative from their healthcare providers in supporting them to engage in a healthy lifestyle.CONCLUSIONS: This study identified barriers and facilitators to sustaining a healthy lifestyle postpartum. Efforts at multiple levels - including the individual, family and health system - are needed to facilitate and support a healthy lifestyle among women with prior GDM.
KW - Journal Article
U2 - 10.1111/scs.12506
DO - 10.1111/scs.12506
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 28856697
VL - 32
SP - 756
EP - 764
JO - Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences
JF - Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences
SN - 0283-9318
IS - 2
ER -
ID: 183577521