Phenomenological Study on the Experience of Depression during Pregnancy

Abstract

Purpose Depression during pregnancy is a public health problem because of it's negative effects on the health of mother, infant, and their family. The purpose of this study was to explore women's experiences during pregnancy. Methods Data were collected from December 2, 2019, to February 10, 2020, through individual in-depth interviews with 8 pregnant women visiting at 2 women's hospital. Collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis. Results The experiences of pregnant women with depression were clustered into the following six themes form 33 meaning units; 1) Maladaptation to pregnancy; 2) A future full of anxiety; 3) Loneliness without replying on someone; 4) I disappeared due to pregnancy; 5) Loss of mind control; 6) Struggle to overcome. In particular, depressed women during pregnancy experienced abnormal and negative emotions such as feeling of inferiority, self-deprecation, self-reproach, and suicidal thoughts. Conclusion This study show that pregnant women have significant symptoms of depression, and most of them were never given adequate treatment for their symptoms during pregnancy. To improve access to mental healthcare for depressed women during pregnancy, various aspects of strategies are needed which address individual, organizational, and sociocultural level. In addition, spouses and families must understand and empathize distress of pregnant women, and share the required role in the process of pregnancy and childbirth. Key words: Depression; Pregnancy; Experience; Qualitative research; Women 주요어: 우울, ìž„ì‹ , ì§ˆì ì—°êµ¬, 여성