Abstract
Background:Unwanted pregnancy has affected different aspects of our life. Researchers point out if a child’s birth is unwanted, an increase in maternal issues can be observed. The aim of this study was to describe the women’s viewpoints regarding unwanted pregnancy.Method:This qualitative study using content analysis was employed in Shiraz University in 2013-2014. 20 women with unwanted pregnancy were chosen using purposeful sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and trustworthiness of them was evaluated.Results:Findings of this study, according to the participants’ experience, revealed maternal emotions like embarrassment for getting pregnant, mother’s own negative affection, concerns about missing family and other children, and terminating the pregnancy through illegal abortion, the husband’s disagreement about the termination, blaming themselves for thinking about abortion or illegal abortion, and concern about their guilt feeling. Another finding was family problems like husband’s behavior and his negative outlook towards his child and fetus. The next category belonged to anxiety about the future of their child, including economic, social and relational problems, and suppression of the children’s logical expectations. The last finding was the lack of maternal emotional support.Conclusions:Unwanted pregnancy’s effects on the mothers and infants’ health are considerable. A closer observation by family and health care providers for unwanted pregnancies and its results is recommended; therefore, they should be taken care of as high risk pregnancies, requiring family support.
Highlights
Unwanted pregnancy is a universal issue which affects women, their families and the society (Klima, 1998)
Almost 50% of pregnancies in the United States are unwanted and approximately 48% of women between 15 to 44 years of age have experienced unwanted pregnancy at least for once (Moos, 2003). 50 millions of unwanted pregnancies would lead to intentional abortion each year, and it is estimated that 42 million abortions happen annually, among which 22 million are safe and 20 million are unsafe
Interviews began with a general question such as “What is your experience about unwanted pregnancy?” and continued with questions such as “How do you feel about your present pregnancy?”, “How will you feel about your future?”
Summary
Unwanted pregnancy is a universal issue which affects women, their families and the society (Klima, 1998). It occurs in every social and economic status. 70000 fatalities among mothers and over 5 million temporary or permanent disabilities have been reported (Shah & Ahman, 2009). 9 million cases observed in developing countries, more than 200 fatalities of women are seen each day. Unwanted pregnancy has affected different aspects of our life. Researchers point out if a child’s birth is unwanted, an increase in maternal issues can be observed. The aim of this study was to describe the women’s viewpoints regarding unwanted pregnancy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
