What are the childbearing experiences of women with type 1 diabetes? A scoping review of qualitative literature

Abstract

Problem: Type 1 diabetes is associated with the risk of adverse outcomes for mother and baby.

Background: How pregnant people adapt to the challenges of type 1 diabetes and engage with healthcare professionals can affect how likely they will be to maintain good glycaemic control. Therefore, it is important to understand the childbearing and care experiences of women with type 1 diabetes.

Aim: To examine contemporary literature describing the childbearing experiences of women with type 1 diabetes over the last decade.

Method: The review follows 5 stages of Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework. Four databases were searched for English language publications 2012-2023 using indexed terms and Boolean operators. 64 studies were retrieved, 10 included in the review. Braun and Clarke's thematic synthesis process was used to collate findings.

Findings: Five key themes emerged: 1. Glycaemic control dominates the childbearing journey, 2. Emphasis on risk, 3. Importance of social and peer support, 4. Care organisation, systems, and communication, 5. The impact of technology on the childbearing experience.

Conclusion: Based on lived experiences, women with type 1 diabetes value being treated as partners in their care by health professionals providing medical and midwifery services. Peer and social support from family, friends and the diabetes community can bring comfort and reassurance in a perceived 'medicalised' childbearing journey. Further research is needed on the impact of the use of type 1 diabetes technologies on childbearing experiences and how peer support can be incorporated into current care provision.

Keywords: Childbearing; Diabetes mellitus; Experiences; Pregnancy; Qualitative; Type 1.