How My Provider Communicates: A Qualitative Exploration of Pregnant Women’s Communicative Experiences When Receiving Prenatal Care in Ohio

Abstract

Background: Ohio disproportionately has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the United States. Failure to receive effective prenatal care can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, specifically infant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of pregnant women’s communicative experiences when receiving prenatal care in Ohio. Methods: We interviewed pregnant women (N=30) between the ages of 19 to 39 years who were in the second or third trimester of pregnancy residing in Ohio using semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using a two-stage inductive thematic analytic technique. Results: Findings demonstrated that pregnant women’s communicative experiences when receiving prenatal care in Ohio could be categorized into 4 overarching salient themes: (1) dialogue with the prenatal care provider, (2) time required for the prenatal care visit, (3) the prenatal care provider’s interpersonal and personality characteristics, and (4) continuity of care. Conclusion: Results identified pregnant women’s communicative experiences when receiving prenatal care in Ohio. Findings may assist prenatal care providers in enhancing prenatal care outcomes in Ohio by promoting continuous dialogue, spending time with patients, displaying positive interpersonal and personality characteristics, and providing continuous prenatal care.