Shifting the Paradigm in GDM Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Midwifery-Led Versus Standard Care on Birth and Emergency Complication Preparedness Performance
Keywords:
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Midwifery-led care, Birth preparedness, Complication readiness, Randomized controlled trialAbstract
Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a high-risk illness linked to poor maternal and newborn outcomes. Adequate birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) are critical components of safe motherhood, especially for women with GDM. Midwifery-led forms of care have demonstrated the ability to improve maternal outcomes via ongoing support, education, and empowerment.
Objective: The objective is to assess the impact of a midwifery-led care paradigm on birth preparedness and complication readiness for pregnant women with GDM.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out on 180 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM at a tertiary care facility. Using simple random sampling, participants were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=90) and control (n=90) groups. The experimental group received a structured midwifery-led intervention that included personalized instruction, counseling, and follow-up support, while the control group received standard care. Data were gathered using a structured demographic questionnaire and a standardized Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) assessment form. The sample size was obtained using power analysis (power 80%, α=0.05, effect size 0.5) to account for potential attrition. The data were examined using descriptive and inferential statistics, such as the independent t-test and the chi-square test.
Results: After intervention, the experimental group significantly improved their BPCR scores compared to the control group (p<0.05). The findings show that the midwifery-led program improved expectant moms' readiness for labor and awareness of obstetric problems.
Conclusion: Midwifery-led care is helpful in improving birth preparedness and complication readiness for expectant women with GDM. Integrating such models into routine antenatal treatment can help to enhance maternal and newborn outcomes.
