Understanding interconception experiences of women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus across Ireland.

AIM: To explore the interconception experiences of women after GDM across Ireland to inform how to optimise health between pregnancies.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive study was implemented. Online semi-structured individual interviews were conducted (April-May 2025) with women living on the island of Ireland who had experienced GDM ≤5 years ago. Data were transcribed and analysed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven women participated, and four themes were generated: (1) Shaping health behaviours beyond pregnancy, (2) GDM's emotional legacy, (3) Understanding interconception care and future risk management and (4) Interconception needs and support preferences.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides novel insights into women's interconception experiences following GDM across Ireland and shows behavioural, emotional and healthcare-related impacts between pregnancies. Although education received during pregnancy facilitated behaviour change that persisted postpartum, maintaining GDM-related positive health behaviour changes was often challenging without ongoing support. Postpartum care gaps and a lack of interconception support left women uncertain about their future GDM risk and appropriate pregnancy preparation. These findings highlight the need for interconception care including timely postpartum follow-up, clearer communication about recurrence risk and accessible preconception support for women planning a subsequent pregnancy.