Health Perceptions of Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

          Diabetes is a complication that may cause harm to pregnant women and their babies. Health care of pregnant women is crucial for themselves and their unborn babies to ensure their safety from complications. This descriptive qualitative research aimed to identify the health perceptions and health care of pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Ten key informants diagnosed with gestational diabetes were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were conducted through in-depth individual interviews between February and June 2020. Thematic analysis showed that the health perceptions of pregnant women were classified into three main themes: 1) Women either perceived gestational diabetes to be resolved after delivery due to pregnancy, uncontrolled weight gain, excessive food consumption, and eating sugary diets, but which would resolve postpartum; or 2) women perceived gestational diabetes to be a genetic disorder that was difficult to solve, could cause an abortion, and had adverse health risks for themselves and their unborn babies. Additionally, 3) health care behavioral modification of pregnant women: The women showed concern for their health and well-being during pregnancy and recognized the need to practice healthy dietary behaviors, exercise, attend antenatal appointments and take insulin injections, if necessary. The findings demonstrate that women’s health perceptions can influence self-care behaviors to ensure their safety and that of their unborn babies. The findings can also inform health providers when delivering maternity care during pregnancy and helping women plan for a future pregnancy by educating them on how to prevent the severity and complication of diabetes