Key points
The incidence of diabetes in pregnancy is rising due to increased maternal risk factors and increased incidence in the general population
Preconception care is essential to optimising glycaemic control and improving the chances of mothers having a successful and healthy pregnancy
Early booking in a hospital setting, with a multidisciplinary obstetric and medical team, produces a clear plan of care for ongoing specialist support and reduces adverse perinatal outcomes
All women with pre-existing diabetes should have early retinal screening and prophylactic aspirin 75 mg once daily All health professionals in both primary and secondary care should be aware of the increased risks that diabetes poses to pregnancy