The lived experience of women with a high-risk pregnancy: A phenomenology investigation

Abstract

BackgroundPregnancy is a time of transformation, hope, expectation, and worry for women and their families – none more so than when the pregnancy is at-risk. The objective of this study was to describe the lived experience of women during high-risk pregnancy. MethodsThis qualitative investigation utilized a hermeneutic phenomenology study. The study was conducted in a public health center in a large urban area in southeast Iran. Purposive sampling of 20 women with a high-risk pregnancy. Participants included both nulligravid and multigravid women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy with varied medical conditions. Data collection used face-to-face interview with transcribed data analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six stage thematic analysis approach. ResultsFour themes were extracted and included challenge of family in high-risk pregnancy, challenge of anticipation for motherhood, and challenges for future pregnancies, and challenge of adaptation. ConclusionsFindings demonstrate that women with a high-risk pregnancy struggle to adapt with burdens related to successful maternal role attainment and family functioning. Fears about pregnancy outcome and future pregnancies are dominant.