Maternity Unit
Diabetic and Pregnant
Contact: (0191) 282 5851 - Antenatal Clinic
An Obstetric Medical Clinic is held on Thursdays mornings for pregnant women with a range of medical problems and for women who are diabetic or develop diabetes during pregnancy.
If you are planning to become pregnant, pre-conception care is available at the Diabetes Centre at the former Newcastle General Hospital site now known as the Campus for Ageing & Vitality.
If you are already pregnant, we would like to see you as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed and your GP can refer you to be seen in our Obstetric Medical Clinic.
Close monitoring throughout your pregnancy
At your first visit we will offer you a scan and make a plan for your care. Thereafter you will be offered a number of scans throughout your pregnancy:
- 6 - 8 weeks to confirm pregnancy
- 12 weeks dating scan
- 20 weeks - anomaly scan
- 20 to 22 weeks - fetal echo cardiogram
From 28 weeks at every visit, you will be offered an ultrasound scan to check the baby's growth and well being. You can buy copies of the scan photographs if you wish - there is a token machine on the wall in the waiting room that takes £1 coins.
When you visit the clinic the midwife will take your blood pressure, record your weight and ask for blood and urine sample. Sometimes, women are asked to provide a 24 hour urine sample. We will give you the collection bottle to take home for this.
To help us plan your care, please bring your blood sugar machine and up to date diary to each visit for review.
At each clinic appointment your health and the baby’s growth will be checked. You will probably be seen by more than one specialist and you may have a scan or eye test. All of this may take a while so don’t forget to bring a snack and an energy drink if you think you may need them. There is a shop at the main entrance of Leazes Wing and a WRVS kiosk near to Maternity Reception which is open weekdays from 12noon to 4pm.
Eye examination
Sometimes there are changes in your eyes because of your diabetes. At your first visit and again when you are 28 weeks pregnant, we will offer you an eye examination.
Raised Glucose Levels in Pregnancy
If your blood glucose level is found to be raised in pregnancy, we will offer you a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT). The results will help us to plan your care and you may be invited to the Obstetric Medical Clinic. The diabetic nurse will teach you how to monitor your blood sugar levels and offer advice about diet and blood sugar monitoring.
The Birth of Your Baby
Women who use insulin to control diabetes, which may include some women who develop diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes), we recommend that labour is induced at 38 weeks of pregnancy. This has been found to be the safest choice for your baby.
Although you will receive most of your care during your pregnancy from the staff in our Maternity Unit at the RVI, please keep in touch with your GP and community midwife. Check out any classes your midwife might be holding in your area and meet with other pregnant and new Mums at the Baby Café and Drop in Centres.
Contact us
If you have any concerns between visits, please contact the midwife in charge of the Antenatal Clinic:
Telephone: (0191) 282 5851 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
or the Maternity Assessment Unit:
Telephone: (0191) 282 5832 (24 hours every day)
