Abstract
BackgroundExtensive application of screening tests for early diagnosis of fetal abnormalities would justify support for women who are facing pregnancy termination due to fetal abnormalities. Considering the lack of available information regarding supportive sources for these people, the present study was conducted to determine the supportive needs of women who have experienced pregnancy termination due to fetal abnormalities.MethodsThe present research was a qualitative study. The participants were selected using a purposeful sampling method with maximum variation. Data were collected through in-depth personal interviews and taking of field notes and were analyzed simultaneously using conventional content analysis.ResultsThe main categories that appeared in the present study included “support from the husband” with sub-categories of “mental support and necessary accompaniments”, “participating in planning for future pregnancy” and “financial support to pay the costs of diagnosis and follow-up”, “support from the family and friends” with sub-categories of “helping in taking care of other children”, “help in performing daily activities” and “empathy, companionship and necessary support to maintain mental peace” and finally “support from peers” with sub-categories of “communicating with the peers and receiving information from them” and “creating a sense of confidence and hopefulness”.ConclusionsResults of the present study, by determining and highlighting the supportive needs of women who have experienced pregnancy termination due to fetal abnormalities, could be an appropriate basis for providing effective strategies to improve constant participation of the husbands, family members and the peers along with other professional care.
Highlights
Extensive application of screening tests for early diagnosis of fetal abnormalities would justify support for women who are facing pregnancy termination due to fetal abnormalities
Results of the study by Maguire et al showed that 17% of women would experience the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) until 2 to 7 years after terminating the pregnancy [9]
The emotional and psychological outcomes of pregnancy termination due to fetal abnormalities have been investigated in various studies, few studies have been conducted about the appropriate support for these people after losing the fetus
Summary
Extensive application of screening tests for early diagnosis of fetal abnormalities would justify support for women who are facing pregnancy termination due to fetal abnormalities. In comparison to other similar situations, less social support exists for these situations because in the existing cultural context women would be blamed for deciding to terminate the pregnancy and having a fetus with abnormalities; so they could not share their decision with others. Women’s active role in ending the fetus’ life is a unique circumstance that would distinguish its grieving process from the grief of spontaneous abortion or fetal death [1] This action followed with several psychological consequences including intense mourning, feeling of guilt and humiliation, low self-esteem, anxious reactions, fury, doubt about the correctness of the decision, and fear of social judgment [2]. Currently in some countries online groups are working to support women who have experienced pregnancy termination due to fetal abnormalities, it is still not determined whether this kind of support is adequate for their needs and desires [1]
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