Table 3 Mothers’ perspectives on key study procedures – qualitative responses

What are your thoughts on the study specifically approaching women in the booking clinic to participate, who have been identified as at risk for GDM?

• Women described the recruitment process positively and had no objection to being approached (S: 4)

• Clinic recruitment was considered a good research strategy (S: 2)

• Women described that the recruitment process was a positive as it raised awareness of GDM in regards to education on diet, complications and prevention (S: 2)

• Women liked that recruitment was conducted by a person, as it aided the establishment of rapport and understanding of the study (F:2, S: 1)

• Flyers or pre-clinic booking would help give mothers time before being approached in clinic to make a decision (S: 2)

• Mothers preferred being approached face-to-face as opposed to via a flyer or email (F: 2)

• Face-to-face increases chances of participation (F: 1)

What do you think about delaying treatment, if needed, to 24 to 28 weeks?

Good or okay to delay

• Participants described delayed treatment as a good idea (S: 6, F:1)

• Participant indicated that if the early GDM test was not necessary it could save Medicare resources (S: 1)

• Mothers preferred to be only tested at 28 weeks, as it is standard practice in many places and in the past (F: 1)

• Mother approved of the delay, as she thought her own early testing and treatment was invasive and unnecessary (F: 1)

• Participants approved, as GTT was so unpleasant it should only be conducted once (F: 1)

Not sure

• Not sure (S: 5)

Should not delay

• GDM should not be delayed if it can be treated early (S: 1. F: 1)

• Mother would still want to check at booking (S: 1)

• Delaying treatment would be detrimental to mother and child as there is no need to change the current approach to treatment at booking (S: 1)

• Participant expressed that if detected some treatment should occur, even if that is just a modified diet (S: 1, F: 1)

• Treatment should not be delayed (S: 1, F: 1)

How do you feel about the heel prick test for glucose at one hour old?

Good or okay

• Good, no problems with test (S: 10, F: 3)

• Mothers describe having no objection based on the notion that test will aid in checking health of baby/identification of diabetes (S: 2, F:1)

• Only if necessary (S: 7)

• No objection as babies have lots of tests when born anyway (S: 2, F:1)

• Mothers described that babies forget pain quickly (F: 2)

Not approve or ambivalent

• Not comfortable with test (S: 3)

• Mother described being uncomfortable if the test disturbed the baby (S: 1)

• Opposed ‘I refuse to see that’ (F:1)

• This test should have second consent obtained (F: 2)

• Mothers suggested that less blood be collected (F:1)