AppointmentCare for Women with Diabetes during Pregnancy
First appointment (ideally by 10 weeks)Information, advice, and support given in relation to optimising glycaemic control. Information and advice given about how diabetes will affect the pregnancy, birth, and early parenting.\nThe extent of diabetes-related complications including renal function* will be established and medications will be reviewed and changed if needed.\nRetinal screening will be arranged (if has not recently been done)**.\nWomen will be advised about the schedule of ultrasound scans The next scan should be booked at each scan appointment.
Approx 16 weeksRetinal assessment**
20 weeksDetailed scan which includes four-chamber view of the fetal heart and outflow tracts.
24 weeksUltrasound scan to monitor fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume (LV).
28 weeksUltrasound scan to monitor fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume (LV).\nRetinal assessment**
32 weeksUltrasound scan to monitor fetal growth and LV.
36 weeksUltrasound scan to monitor fetal growth and LV Information and advice given about: • Timing, mode, and management of birth. Induction of labour information sheets given to women to take away and read. • Changes to blood glucose lowering therapy during and after birth. • Care of the baby after birth. • Initiation of breastfeeding and the effect of breastfeeding on glycaemic control. • Contraception and follow-up.
37+0 weeks to 38+6 weeksOffer induction of labour / caesarean section. If patient chooses to await spontaneous labour, then advised to monitor Fetal movements (FM) on a daily basis and to report any decrease.
39 weeksAdvise induction of labour / caesarean section. If declined, review by senior obstetrician for individualised care plan.
*If serum creatinine is abnormal or if urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) exceeds 30mg/mmol, referral to a nephrologist should be considered. Thromboprophylaxis should be considered for women with significant proteinuria.\n **If significant retinopathy found then monthly retinal assessments will be organised ± /-referral to ophthalmology.