Uncomplicated pregnancy
l Over 30 years old
l Carrying their first and a singleton baby
l Between 20 and 24 weeks pregnant
l Expecting a normal vaginal delivery
l An ability to communicate in conversational
English, even if English was not their first language.
Maternal age of over 30 years old was chosen because it is an identified risk factor for GDM. Primigravidas were considered least likely to have prior knowledge or experience of GDM, and at 20–24 weeks of pregnancy had not had the screening test or received an explanation about GDM. Participants were recruited on the basis of no known obstetric complications as women with complications will usually require specialist care.