Abstract
BackgroundWomen with preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk for later cardiovascular disease, and lifestyle measures are recommended to prevent subsequent disease. Partner support has been shown to be important in lifestyle modification in other diseases, but there is a lack of knowledge of partner involvement in PE and GDM. The aim of this study was to explore the partner’s experiences and knowledge of gestational diseases, and how the partner wishes to contribute to lifestyle change.MethodsA qualitative study with one focus group interview and seven in-depth individual interviews, involving eleven partners of women with a pregnancy complicated by GDM or PE. The interview data were inductively analysed using four-step systematic text condensation, supported by interdependence theory.ResultsPartners experienced a strong “we-feeling” and wanted to support the woman in lifestyle changes. At the same time, they felt insecure, worried, foolish and left out and they missed information from clinicians. The partners felt that their involvement was crucial to lasting lifestyle changes and expected that the clinicians would routinely invite them to discuss lifestyle change.ConclusionsPartners considered themselves an important resource for lifestyle changes for women with PE and GDM, but missed being more directly invited, informed and included in maternity care and wanted to participate in the care that followed the gestational disease. This study can help health professionals to realize that partners are an overlooked resource that can make important contributions to improve the health of the whole family if they are involved and supported by health services.
Highlights
Women with preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk for later cardiovascular disease, and lifestyle measures are recommended to prevent subsequent disease
Preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are common complications of pregnancy that are associated with increased risk of maternal type 2 diabetes (T2DM) [1, 2] and cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life [3, 4]
National and international guidelines recommend that a pregnancy complicated by GDM or PE should be followed by lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity, smoking cessation and healthy diet to prevent later CVD [8,9,10,11]
Summary
Women with preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk for later cardiovascular disease, and lifestyle measures are recommended to prevent subsequent disease. Partner support has been shown to be important in lifestyle modification in other diseases, but there is a lack of knowledge of partner involvement in PE and GDM. Preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are common complications of pregnancy that are associated with increased risk of maternal type 2 diabetes (T2DM) [1, 2] and cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life [3, 4]. National and international guidelines recommend that a pregnancy complicated by GDM or PE should be followed by lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity, smoking cessation and healthy diet to prevent later CVD [8,9,10,11]. Frequent breastfeeding, sleep deprivation and postnatal recovery can be so demanding that lifestyle changes are given low priority once the baby arrives [13, 14]
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