The experiences of spirituality during pregnancy and child birth in Indonesian muslim women

Abstract

To understand the experience of spirituality in pregnancy and labor from the perspective of Indonesian Muslim women. This study used a qualitative descriptive design and analysis to explore the meaning and experiences of spirituality in pregnancy. Seven Indonesian Muslim women who had a baby under one-year-old participated in this study. This study found 5 themes related to the Muslim women's experience of spirituality during pregnancy: (1) Submission to God makes it easier for mothers to endure pregnancy and childbirth; (2) Meaning-making through spiritual stories enhances confidence, motivation, and persistence during pregnancy and childbirth; (3) Remembrance of God is a way of self-control, overcoming anxiety and labor pains; (4) Faith in God's help raises self-confidence during labor and delivery; and (5) Faith and close relationship with God can overcome the challenge of pregnancy and childbirth. Spirituality strongly affects Indonesian Muslim women's behavior in caring for their pregnancy. This study offers insights into the experiences of Indonesian Muslim women in living their spiritual values during pregnancy and labor. Nurses should be sensitive to the spirituality of the women and integrate this element in providing maternal nursing care.