Work

Pushed to the limit, driven by love: A qualitative study of women’s experiences of pregnancy with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pregnancy with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) requires intensified medical management and self-care. However, little is known about how women experience pregnancy while living with T2DM. AIM: To explore the pregnancy experiences of women living with T2DM. METHODS: A qualitative interview study was conducted at a specialist antenatal clinic in a university hospital in Sweden. Eleven women with a pre-pregnancy diagnosis of T2DM participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed inductively using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. FINDINGS: One overarching theme was identified: Pushed to the limit, driven by love, supported by four sub-themes. (1) A familiar diagnosis, but an unfamiliar experience described how women felt unprepared for the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy. (2) Blood glucose levels: intense monitoring and inconsistent communication highlighted how continuous monitoring was both supportive and overwhelming, with conflicting advice contributing to uncertainty. (3) When medical care outweighs emotional support captured mixed care experiences, including instances of weight stigma and lack of holistic support. (4) Pregnancy as a mental and physical trial reflected the strain of managing T2DM, while also showing the women's determination, fueled by their care for the unborn child. DISCUSSION: The findings show that women with T2DM navigate a complex pregnancy experience marked by clinical intensity, emotional pressure, and inconsistent support. Despite this, their motivation to protect their babies helped them persevere. CONCLUSION: Antenatal care for women with T2DM should be adapted to their specific needs, with emphasis on routine preconception counselling, coherent care pathways, and empathetic, person-centred communication.

Source: Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare

DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101174

Authors: Karolina Linden, Karolina Ericson, Anneli Törnroos, Malin Bogren

Institutions: University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland

Language: English

Topic: Gestational Diabetes Research and Management

Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,850