Diabetes midwives

About our service

If you already have diabetes before pregnancy

We will start caring for you as soon as you have a positive pregnancy test. Our aim is to help you keep your blood sugar at a healthy level throughout your pregnancy and after your baby is born. You will have regular appointments with us, where we will give you advice and support to reduce the risk of problems for you and your baby.

If you have diabetes and are planning a pregnancy, it’s important to prepare. We can arrange an appointment in our pre-pregnancy clinic to help you get ready before you conceive.

PiL – Diabetes and Starting A Family (210kB pdf)

If you develop diabetes during pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes)

Sometimes, pregnancy hormones can cause a type of diabetes called gestational diabetes. Women at higher risk will be offered a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) at around 25–27 weeks of pregnancy.

The GTT involves:
1. Coming to the hospital without eating for 12 hours (fasting). Please do not even chew gum or suck sweets.
2. Having a blood test.
3. Drinking a special sugary drink.
4. Having another blood test two hours later.

PiL – What is a glucose intolerance test (730kB pdf)

Results

The blood test shows how your body handled the sugar drink. The Diabetes Specialist Midwife will check your results. If you need more tests, the Midwife will contact you.
If not, your results will be ready for your next pregnancy appointment.

If the test shows you have gestational diabetes, we will:
• Give you advice on healthy eating and exercise.
• Show you how to check your blood sugar levels.
• Prescribe medicine if needed to keep your blood sugar under control.

After your baby is born

• We will give you advice on the checks you will need after birth.

PiL – Gestational Care – postnatal (428kB pdf)

• If you had diabetes before pregnancy, we will also phone you in the first few weeks to help you manage your blood sugar.

* Insert link for PIL’s ‘Postnatal care for woman with type1/type 2 diabetes –  [LINK TO ADD]

PiL – Postnatal Care with women with Type 1 and 2 diabetes (208kB pdf)

Expertise

Our Diabetes Specialist Midwives are experienced in caring for women with pre-existing and gestational diabetes, working alongside other healthcare professionals to keep you and your baby healthy.

How to use the service

If you have diabetes before pregnancy, contact us as soon as you have a positive pregnancy test. If you are planning a pregnancy, ask your GP or midwife for a referral to our pre-pregnancy clinic. Women at higher risk of gestational diabetes will be offered a Glucose Tolerance Test during pregnancy.