Home
Issues
Aim & Scope
Open Access
Editorial Board
Indexing
Supporting Midwifery Associations
Contact us
Manuscript Types
Manuscript Formatting
How to submit
Special publications and Reprints
Authorship & COI
Principles of Transparency Checklist
Publication Ethics and Publication Malpractice Statement
CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
The impact of neonatal intensive care admission at term following gestational diabetes mellitus: A neglected area
1
Bournemouth University, Midwifery and Health Sciences, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A49
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common complication of pregnancy, with rising prevalence driven by increasing maternal age and global obesity. GDM has been linked to neonatal morbidities, including admission to neonatal intensive care (NICU).
OBJECTIVES:
This research aimed to explore the relationship between GDM and NICU admission for term babies.
METHODS:
Methodology Phase 1 involved a scoping literature review to assess whether GDM increased the risk of NICU admission at term. Phase 2 was a narrative review comparing GDM screening and diagnostic methods, examining the impact of inconsistent approaches on policy development. Phase 3 used a qualitative online survey to explore women's perceptions of NICU admission, analysed thematically.
RESULTS:
Three integrated papers reported the findings. Paper 1: Eight studies were included; all showed a positive association between GDM and NICU admission, with three reaching statistical significance. Only one was UK-based and used outdated diagnostic criteria. Paper 2: Screening and diagnostic approaches for GDM varied significantly. The UK uniquely employs risk-based screening. This variability hindered international research comparison and weakened the evidence supporting women’s education and choices. Paper 3: Eighteen women participated. Two key themes 'experience and understanding' emerged, with sub-themes highlighting the need for improved clinical care post-diagnosis, a lack of knowledge and informed decision-making.
CONCLUSIONS:
Evidence suggests a possible link between GDM and NICU admission at term, though UK-specific data were limited. Heterogeneity in diagnosis and screening approaches reduce the reliability of outcome comparisons. Future UK-based research is needed, alongside improved education and resources to support women's understanding of GDM and the potential for outcomes that may require treatment in NICU.
KEY MESSAGE:
Collaborative research, education, and policy development are essential to understand GDM-related NICU admissions nationally and internationally, address care disparities, and co-create meaningful, inclusive resources that improve maternal and neonatal outcomes whilst remaining reflective of individual demographics where necessary. Association strengthening 2 (including three-minute presentation competition)
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common complication of pregnancy, with rising prevalence driven by increasing maternal age and global obesity. GDM has been linked to neonatal morbidities, including admission to neonatal intensive care (NICU).
OBJECTIVES:
This research aimed to explore the relationship between GDM and NICU admission for term babies.
METHODS:
Methodology Phase 1 involved a scoping literature review to assess whether GDM increased the risk of NICU admission at term. Phase 2 was a narrative review comparing GDM screening and diagnostic methods, examining the impact of inconsistent approaches on policy development. Phase 3 used a qualitative online survey to explore women's perceptions of NICU admission, analysed thematically.
RESULTS:
Three integrated papers reported the findings. Paper 1: Eight studies were included; all showed a positive association between GDM and NICU admission, with three reaching statistical significance. Only one was UK-based and used outdated diagnostic criteria. Paper 2: Screening and diagnostic approaches for GDM varied significantly. The UK uniquely employs risk-based screening. This variability hindered international research comparison and weakened the evidence supporting women’s education and choices. Paper 3: Eighteen women participated. Two key themes 'experience and understanding' emerged, with sub-themes highlighting the need for improved clinical care post-diagnosis, a lack of knowledge and informed decision-making.
CONCLUSIONS:
Evidence suggests a possible link between GDM and NICU admission at term, though UK-specific data were limited. Heterogeneity in diagnosis and screening approaches reduce the reliability of outcome comparisons. Future UK-based research is needed, alongside improved education and resources to support women's understanding of GDM and the potential for outcomes that may require treatment in NICU.
KEY MESSAGE:
Collaborative research, education, and policy development are essential to understand GDM-related NICU admissions nationally and internationally, address care disparities, and co-create meaningful, inclusive resources that improve maternal and neonatal outcomes whilst remaining reflective of individual demographics where necessary. Association strengthening 2 (including three-minute presentation competition)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
