The challenge

Diabetes can cause a range of problems in pregnancy, during delivery and for the baby after birth. Of particular concern is the increase in congenital abnormalities (birth defects) in this group. While 1 in 100 babies are born with a congenital abnormality, this risk is increased 2 - 3 fold in women with diabetes.  Effective preconception care can reduce these risks.

How does the pregnancy network support you?

NHS Diabetes is in the process of building a network related to diabetes and pregnancy.

We understand that there are already special interest groups in place in relation to preconception care and information and we will be working with these groups to build on the good work that has already taken place.  There may also be more special interest group emerging or in place that could link in to the overall model.

We would like you to look out for emails and notices in the near future that will be asking how you would like a pregnancy network to look and giving you an opportunity to have your say.

It is anticipated that communication will be via the NHS Diabetes website and membership so don’t forget to sign up in advance to make sure that you have your say.

Overall aim of the pregnancy network

• To contribute to the improvement in outcomes for pregnant women with diabetes and their babies

Objectives

• To identify and support the implementation of services, including systems and clinical skills, that will improve pregnancy outcomes in women with diabetes.
• Confirm a core team or group who will shape the national approach to the network
• To identify people interested in this approach, create a membership for the network and explore their views on how the network might be shaped.
• Provide a forum for debate, shared learning and experience to support the delivery of improvement
• Support the network with up to date web pages on the topic of diabetes and pregnancy
• Build on the work already started within the field of diabetes in pregnancy in the areas of preconception care and information
• Work with existing groups and explore the potential of additional interest groups.

How to get involved

If you would like more information on our network please contact project lead Gillian Johnson