Pregnancy Planning Research Articles

Pregnancy and Family Planning in Women With Kidney Disease

IntroductionFemales with kidney disease are at increased risk for pregnancy complications. Few studies have examined pregnancy perspectives of people with kidney disease. Our objective was to examine kidney patients perspectives on family planning. MethodsWe conducted an online survey of female patients with kidney disease from the University of Colorado Hospital between the ages of 18 and 50 years from August to October 2022. The survey asked questions on prior and current pregnancies with kidney disease, family planning, and reproductive health discussions with their nephrologists. Perspectives on how kidney disease influences pregnancies were also explored. ResultsOne hundred and thirty-six participants completed the survey. The majority of participants were White (71.3%) with a mean (SD) age of 37 ± 10 years. The majority of participants self-characterized their kidney disease as moderate (n=57, 43.5%) with 16 (12.2%) of participants receiving dialysis. Fifty-two (38.5%) participants experienced a pregnancy with a diagnosis of kidney disease, which were largely planned (n=33, 61.1%). The majority of participants were able to conceive within 6 months (64.8%). Nearly half of participants reported that kidney disease influenced their family planning decisions with the majority (n=91, 66.5%) believing that kidney disease increased their risk for pregnancy complications. More than half of participants never discussed the health risks of a potential pregnancy (54.0%), desire to have children (58.0%), pregnancy prevention (57.0%), and/or optimizing their health prior to pregnancy (68.1%) with their nephrologist. ConclusionAlthough kidney disease influenced family planning decisions, few participants had family planning discussions with their nephrologists.

Women with Gaucher Disease.

Gaucher disease is an inherited disorder in which there is a deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase, which leads to the accumulation of glucosylceramide. Although much scientific evidence is now available, there is still limited data on the impact on the different life stages of women with this disease. Among other alterations, a delay in menarche has been described, although it has not been related to fertility problems. Menorrhagia is relatively frequent, being related to the presence of thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopathies or coagulation disorders. On the other hand, pregnancy planning is an increasingly frequent concern. All patients should undergo genetic counseling, and it is important to monitor the appearance or worsening of organomegaly, bone and hematologic abnormalities to establish clinical and therapeutic recommendations. Management during the puerperium will depend on the evolution of gestation, and, during the lactation period, the potential appearance of bone complications should be assessed. An early onset of menopause, compared to the general population, has also been described, which may accelerate the development of osteopenia. Finally, although the usual screening protocols for neoplasms are currently being performed, it is recommended to watch for early signs of liver or renal neoplasms when examining the results of imaging tests performed during evaluations for this disease.

Issues with pregnancy in systemic lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease that affects a large number of young women of childbearing age. Today, pregnancy is considered safe in almost all women with lupus, especially when the disease is under control. However, pregnancies in this population have a higher risk of maternal complications than in the general population. It is therefore important to plan pregnancies as effectively as possible, using effective contraception and pre-pregnancy counselling. In fact, effective, well-tolerated contraception is essential for patients for whom pregnancy cannot be safely envisaged, particularly in the setting of teratogenic treatment or significant disease activity. Preconception counselling is essential and helps to anticipate several aspects of a future pregnancy. Several recent prospective studies have clearly identified risk factors for obstetric complications and disease flare. High level of lupus activity, low complement, primigravida and a history of lupus nephritis are predictive factors of disease flare when antiphospholipid syndrome or antiphospholipid antibodies (specifically for lupus anticoagulant), damage, activity of lupus are predictive for obstetric events. Appropriate therapeutic management is essential, based primarily on the continuation of hydroxychloroquine, although some recent warnings about its use in pregnancy have been discussed controversially. Corticosteroid therapy can be continued at the lowest possible dose, as can certain immunosuppressive drugs. In the case of a history of lupus nephritis, low-dose aspirin is also prescribed. Although still exceptional, the risk of neonatal lupus is also higher, in patients with anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. The aim of this review is to summarise the risk factors for adverse obstetric outcomes and to improve medical and obstetric management in this population of pregnant women with lupus.

How Do Birth Satisfaction, Perceived Stress, and Some Factors Affect the Risk of Postpartum Depression?

This research was carried out to determine the effects of birth satisfaction, perceived stress level and some factors on postpartum depression (PPD). In the study; cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational and predictive research designs were used. 446 women who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. The average age of the women was 28.48±57.14 (min-max: 19-44). While 13.9% of women were at risk of PPD and there was a negative and moderate relationship between birth satisfaction and PPD risk (r=-0.403), a negative but low-level significant relationship was obtained between perceived stress (r=-0.325). Among the socio-demographic variables, the education level has the highest impact, while among the obstetric characteristics, the disease status of the baby has the highest impact. Perceived stress has the greatest effect compared to all variables. In this study risk of PPD; It was determined that birth satisfaction had a negative effect and perceived stress had a positive effect. Among the socio-demographic characteristics; age (35 years and above), education level; place of residence, obstetric characteristics; It was concluded that pregnancy planning, pregnancy problems, baby’s health, pregnancy follow-up and birth support factors are effective on the risk of PPD.

Fertility, endometriosis and pregnancy planning

Endometriosis does not always mean infertility, and treatment depends on the couple's prognosis and their wishes. Spontaneous pregnancy remains possible, all the more so if endometriosis treatment is initiated early in the patient's life. Surgery and assisted reproduction are available tocouples who wish to have a child.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding in women with multiple sclerosis

The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women of reproductive age is associated with many uncertainties regarding childbearing and lactation. Pregnancies of MS patients are not usually considered high-risk pregnancies per se. The likelihood of pregnancy complications or adverse pregnancy outcomes is not increased by the disease; however, acareful planning of pregnancy is important in order to choose the treatment option with the greatest benefit for the mother and the least possible risk for the baby. For highly active courses of the disease, anti-CD20 antibodies, cladribine, or continued administration of natalizumab show the best data. Patients with MS can be supported in their desire to breastfeed. If women have had avery active disease course, it is recommended that treatment should be started as soon as possible postpartum. Interferon-beta preparations, glatiramer acetate and ofatumumab are also approved for use during breastfeeding but off-label breastfeeding is also possible with other monoclonal antibodies.

Edukasi tentang Kehamilan Risiko Tinggi melalui Kunjungan Rumah di Kelurahan Mojosongo Jebres Surakarta

Antenatal and postnatal home visiting programs provide significant benefits in improving the health of mothers and babies. Risky pregnancies have the potential to experience life-threatening complications for the mother (85.4%), maternal near misses (13.3%), and maternal death (1.2%). This activity aims to provide education about high-risk pregnancies through home visits. The method is education about high-risk pregnancies using a home visit approach. Location in the Mojosongo Village area, Jebres, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. Activities begin with licensing, preparation, and coordination with the community officer team and study program team, implementation, and evaluation. The results showed that pregnant women had no risk were 56% and high risk were 44%. Risk factors for pregnancy were old age > 35 years, grand multigravida, and hypertension in pregnancy. Mothers are invited to actively read the MCH books, actively discuss, and cooperate. The hope is that pregnant women and their husbands will actively increase their knowledge about healthy pregnancy planning, preparation for childbirth, and newborn babies. Develop an integrated information system for pregnant women that can be accessed by pregnant women. Training program for community officers to improve their ability to assist pregnant women.

Women's views on content and delivery methods for interventions to improve preconception health: a qualitative exploration.

Systematic review evidence suggests preconception health interventions may be effective in improving a range of outcomes. However, few studies have explored women's views on potential content and delivery methods for these interventions. Participants were purposively sampled from respondents (n = 313) of a survey. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to explore their views on seven candidate delivery methods for preconception health interventions: general practitioners (GPs), nurse practitioners, pharmacists, social media, personal texts and emails, pregnancy tests, and health education in schools. Data were analyzed using a data-driven framework analysis. Twenty women were interviewed. Women wanted interventions to be easily accessible but allow them to conceal their pregnancy plans. They preferred to choose to receive preconception interventions but were receptive to health professionals raising preconception health during 'relevant' appointments such as contraceptive counseling and cervical smear tests. They wanted intervention content to provide trustworthy and positively framed information that highlights the benefits of good preconception health and avoids stigmatizing women for their weight and preconception actions. The inclusion of support for preconception mental health and the use of visual media, personalization, simple information, and interesting and unfamiliar facts were viewed favorably. Interventions to improve preconception health should reflect the sensitivities of pregnancy intentions, be easy to access in a way that enables discretion, and be designed to seek consent to receive the intervention. These interventions should ideally be tailored to their target populations and provide trustworthy information from reputable sources. The potential for unintended harmful effects should be explored.

Oncologic and reproductive outcomes after fertility-sparing surgery for bilateral borderline ovarian tumors: A retrospective study

ObjectivesTo investigate the oncological safety and fertility outcomes of different fertility-sparing surgery procedures for bilateral borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) and to identify the safest and most effective approach to help patients conceive with minimal risk. Study DesignA retrospective study of 144 patients (≤40 years) with pathologically confirmed bilateral BOTs were included in the study.The effects of surgery type on fertility outcome and recurrence were compared. Cox regression analysis was employed to determine potential prognostic factors. Survival analysis utilized the Kaplan–Meier method. ResultsThree therapeutic modalities were applied in our study, including bilateral ovarian cystectomy (BOC; n = 29), unilateral adnexectomy + contralateral cystectomy (UAC; n = 4) and radical surgery (n = 61). Totally 33 cases (22.9 %) relapsed during the follow-up period. In 37 % of cases administered conservative surgery, relapses were diagnosed in the first 2 years. Only conservative surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy were risk factors for recurrence. Meanwhile, a pregnancy rate of 55.4 % was obtained in patients with bilateral BOTs. The pregnancy rate was slightly higher but no significant (P = 0.539) difference in patients treated with BOC (n = 17, 63 %) compared with UAC (n = 29, 55.8 %) group. GnRHa treatment significantly improved the clinical pregnancy rate in this study(P = 0.029). ConclusionsSatisfactory pregnancy rate can be achieved after conservative surgery in patients with bilateral BOTs. BOC is worth recommending for bilateral borderline ovarian tumors and a critical factor in fertility is the preservation of maximum healthy ovarian tissue. Patients should make a pregnancy plan in 2 years after the first surgery. GnRHa increase the rate of successful clinical pregnancies.

Emerging biomarkers for improving pregnancy planning in multiple sclerosis.

Patient disability, relapse rate, and age are used for family planning in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the need for more accurate biomarkers is widely recognized. We aimed to explore the influence of age on neurofilament light chain (sNfL), which reflects acute inflammation; glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), associated with disability progression independent of relapses; and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), reflecting ovarian reserve, to provide a tailored family planning strategy. This case-control study included 95 MS patients and 61 healthy control women (HCW). sNfL and GFAP levels were measured using a sensitive single-molecule array assay. AMH levels were measured by the automated Elecsys® Anti-Müllerian Hormone Assay. We observed no significant differences in AMH values between MS patients and the control group within any of the age-matched categories. Age exhibited a negative correlation with AMH values in both groups, as expected. Nevertheless, our findings suggest a slight tendency toward reduced ovarian reserve in MS patients (rho MS patients = -0.67, p < 0.0001; rho HCW = -0.43, p = 0.0006). Interestingly, among the 76 MS participants under 40 years old, we identified ten individuals (13.1%) with AMH levels below 0.7 ng/ml, indicative of a low ovarian reserve, and an additional six individuals (7.8%) with AMH levels between 0.7 ng/ml and 0.9 ng/ml, suggesting a potential risk of premature ovarian failure. Conversely, sNfL and GFAP levels in the MS group exhibited high variability but showed no significant association with age intervals. We found no significant differences in AMH, sNfL or GFAP values between MS patients and the control group within any of the age-matched categories. The assessment of AMH, sNFL and GFAP levels at MS onset facilitates personalized therapeutic and family planning strategies for childbearing-age women.

Pregnant women with teratogenic risk due to alcohol consumption in a health area of la Havana

Introduction: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy represents a current problem. Damage in the first trimester is more severe because very rapid formation and development of organ systems is occurring.Objective: Characterize pregnant women at risk for alcohol consumption in a health area.Method: Descriptive and longitudinal study of pregnant women from the Mártires del Corynthia polyclinic, Havana. 2019 - 2023. The sample consisted of those classified as having increased risk due to teratogenicity who consumed alcohol and consented to participate. The information was collected in a semi-structured interview and the child was assessed between one and three months. Qualitative variables were studied that were dichotomized into yes and no. The results were described through descriptive statistics.Results. 35.5% of the total pregnant women consumed alcoholic beverages. 11.8% were classified as having increased risk due to alcohol use. 89.5% did not plan pregnancy. It was difficult to obtain accurate information on alcohol consumption. Only 3.4% were aware of the actual harm to the fetus and infant. 70.7% of those studied were at optimal ages to procreate. 17.2% of the children of pregnant women had minor Congenital Defects (CD). Conclusions: The number of pregnant women with increased risk of teratogenicity due to alcohol consumption who did not plan their pregnancy and who drank during the embryogenesis period was high. It was not common to find alterations in the prenatal and peripartum periods. There were few CDs in the children of mothers who consumed alcohol.

Are 6 more accurate than 4? The influence of different modes of delivery on postpartum depression and PTSD

BackgroundEmpirical evidence shows that 4.6–6.3% of all women develop a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and approximately 10–15% postpartum depression (PPD) following childbirth. This study explores the relationship between delivery mode and the occurrence of PTSD and PPD, specifically examining four distinct caesarean section (CS) modes: primary on maternal request (Grade 4), medically indicated primary (Grade 3), secondary CS from relative indication (Grade 2) and emergency secondary CS (Grade 1), compared to vaginal and assisted vaginal delivery (AVD). The research aims to understand how these six subcategories of delivery modes impact PPD and PTSD levels. Common predictors, including the need for psychological treatment before childbirth, fear of childbirth, planning of pregnancy, induction of labor, birth debriefing, and lack of social support after childbirth, will be analyzed to determine their association with postpartum mental health outcomes.MethodsThe study was planned and carried out by a research team of the psychology department at the Medical School Hamburg, Germany. Within an online-study (cross-sectional design) N = 1223 German speaking women with a baby who did not die before, during or after birth were surveyed once between four weeks and twelve months postpartum via an anonymous online questionnaire on demographic and gynecological data, delivery mode, PTSD (PCL-5) and PPD (EPDS).ResultsFor both psychiatric disorders, ANOVA revealed significant differences between delivery mode and PPD and PTSD. With weak effects for PPD and medium to strong effects for PTSD. Post-hoc tests showed increased levels of PPD for two CS types (Grade 1, Grade 3) compared to vaginal delivery. For PTSD, secondary CS from relative indication (Grade 2), emergency secondary CS (Grade 1) and assisted vaginal delivery (AVD) were associated with elevated levels of PTSD. Regression analysis revealed delivery mode as a significant predictor of EPDS- (medium effect size) and PCL-5-Score (medium to high effect size).LimitationDelivery was considered as the potential traumatic event, and any previous traumas were not documented. Additionally, the categorization of delivery modes relied on subjective reports rather than medical confirmation.ConclusionThe study highlights the influence of delivery mode on the mental health of postpartum mothers: different modes influence postpartum disorders in various ways. However, the definition of delivery mode was only stated subjectively and not medically confirmed. Further research should investigate which aspects of the different delivery modes affect maternal mental health and explore how the perception of childbirth may be influenced by specific delivery experiences.

Differences in reproductive health discussions in an urban Hispanic population with SLE: lessons from the field

ObjectiveManagement of reproductive health-related issues is crucial for patients with SLE, given this is a disease that primarily affects women of childbearing age. Little is known as to how the...

Asuhan Kebidanan Komprehensif Pada Ny. K Umur 27 Tahun Dengan Anemia Ringan Di PMB Ny. S Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Kaliwadas Kabupaten Brebes Tahun 2023

The success of maternal and child health can be seen from the indicators of maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR). One of the causes of maternal mortality is bleeding that occurs due to anemia during pregnancy. Anemia conditions can be prevented by antenatal care (ANC) checks, and can help make labor run physiologically. Objective To provide comprehensive midwifery care to the patient, family, community or closest friends in order to get appropriate care.This study used a qualitative descriptive method with a case study approach. In the first visit pregnancy care found the incidence of Mild Anemia, at the second visit found the incidence of Mild Preeclampsia. In the care of childbirth, there were cases of premature rupture of membranes and chepalopelvic disporpotion so that delivery was carried out by Sectio Caesarea. And in the care of newborns, postpartum and family planning there are no problems and the condition of the mother and baby is normal. Based on the comprehensive care provided to Mrs. K, there were no gaps in the care of pregnancy, puerperium, newborn, and family planning, but in the care of childbirth there were some gaps between theory and practice.

Asuhan Kebidanan Komprehensif Pada Ny. M Umur 35 Tahun Dengan Kekurangan Energi Kronis Di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Bantarkawung Kabupaten Brebes Tahun 2023

According to WHO (2021) MMR is about 395,000 cases of deaths worldwide due to pregnancy and childbirth. According to ASEAN (2021) MMR is 235,000. Per 100,000 live births, In Indonesia the number of MMR is 7,389, cases, Central Java Province contributes to MMR 199 per 100,000 live deaths Brebes Regency 105 cases of MMR, Data from Bantarkawun Health Center in 2021 MMR 5 cases and IMR 4 cases. To find out how Comprehensive Midwifery Care on Mrs. M Age 35 Years With Chronic Energy Deficiency at the Puskesmas Bantarkawung Research Methods In this study, researchers used a qualitative descriptive method. From the care given to Mrs.M, no significant gaps were found. From the care that has been given to Mrs. M comprehensively from pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, LBW, and family planning in the Bantarkawung Puskesmas work area and at Mrs.M's home, using the Varnay approach flow, and SOAP documentation.

Analysis of Factors Related to the Incidence of Postpartum Blues in Adolescent Mother

BACKGROUND: Adolescent marriage in Indonesia is very high, this will have an impact on the psychological aspects of adolescents. Postpartum psychological disorders of adolescent mothers are postpartum blues. AIM: The study aimed to identify factors related to the incidence of postpartum blues in adolescent mothers. METHODS: This quantitative study used a cross-sectional method involving 90 respondents taken by consecutive sampling. Research sites in Bandung City Special Hospital for Mothers and Children and Al-Ihsan Regional Public Hospital, Bandung District. This research was conducted from May to September 2019. Data collection instruments in this study use the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Pregnancy planning uses the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy questionnaire. Social support uses a postpartum support system and a family coping questionnaire. The last questionnaire is the psychosocial condition of the mother Postpartum Postnatal Risk Questionnaire. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression tests to determine the factors most related to the incidence of postpartum blues in adolescent mothers. RESULTS: The results showed that there were 44.4% of adolescent mothers experience postpartum blues. There was a significant relationship between social support and the incidence of postpartum blues (p = 0.001; odds ratio [OR] 11,777; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3604–109,534) and home living also had a significant relationship with the incidence of postpartum blues (p = 0.002; OR = 9,653; 95% CI = 0.001–0.225). A negative B value at the home living indicated that home living is a preventative factor for postpartum blues in adolescent mothers. CONCLUSIONS: Postpartum blues are influenced by social support, psychosocial conditions, and pregnancy planning. Adolescent mothers need to get attention, especially from their husbands and families during the period of puerperium.

Pre-marital education (PME) program for marriage readiness and stunting prevention to women of childbearing age

Background: Indonesia is one of the countries with a high burden of malnutrition, including stunting. One preventive measure for stunting is the optimization of pre-pregnancy services (preconception). Preconception services, especially for prospective brides and grooms, aim to identify and modify biomedical, psychological, and social risks related to women's health and pregnancy conditions through an optimal early detection strategy. Current issues regarding stunting can indeed be prevented through optimal pregnancy and marriage planning. Therefore, a strategy is needed to develop comprehensive pre-marriage planning through premarital classes.Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of pre-marital education (PME) program for marriage readiness and stunting prevention to women of childbearing ageMethod: This research used a quantitative research design with a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest approach. The instrument used a questionnaire on the physical, psychological, and social readiness of premarital individuals that had been tested for validity and reliability. The sampling method used accidental sampling, and 49 prospective brides and grooms were obtained as participants.Results: The results indicated that the "Paketin Canting" class titled "Paket Kelas Catin Cegah Stunting" had an effect on the biopsychosocial readiness of premarital individuals. In future research, the Catin class method can be further developed to enhance motivation and utilization. Additionally, further research is needed on the impact of Catin classes on reducing stunting rates in Indonesia, and statistical tests show a significant difference before and after the Paketin Canting intervention on the biopsychosocial readiness of premarital individuals (p-value = 0.000).Conclusion: There is an effect of the "Paketin Canting"- a pre-marital education program on the physical, psychological, and social readiness of premarital individuals.

Maternal Exposure to Stress During Covid-19 and Non-Syndromic Orofacial Clefts: A Cohort Retrospective Study.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presents an opportunity to study stress's effect on the development of non-syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs). This study was aimed at assessing maternal stress exposure during the pregestational to first trimester pregnancy periods and the development of NSOFCs during a year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cohort study of infants with NSOFCs and controls matched based on recruitment site and age. Government hospitals in Saudi Arabia between November 2020 and November 2021. Data collection included NSOFC clinical examination and maternal stress exposure assessment using the Modified Life Events Questionnaire, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and a focus on the lack of pregnancy planning and a threatened miscarriage. Of the 557 infants recruited, 191 had NSOFCs. Logistic regression analysis with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) that removed the effects of confounders showed that any of the seven stressful life events (AOR:3.78, P < .001) and the family histories of relatives with NSOFCs (AOR:9.73, P < .001) increased the AOR for NSOFC development. In contrast, maternal folic acid (AOR:0.56, P.010), threatened miscarriage (AOR:0.17, P = .001), fear of COVID-19 (AOR:0.83, P = .038), and suspected COVID-19 infection (AOR:0.43, P = .008) decreased the AOR for NSOFC development. Along with an established risk associated with family history of birth defects, stressful life events may be a risk factor for NSOFC development. Beyond folic acid's known benefit, it may be that higher maternal health concerns contribute to increased protective health behaviors during pregnancy. Ongoing research is needed to specify the maternal risk factors for NSOFC.

What preconception health services would the public find when searching the internet in Australia?: results from a simulated internet-search study

BackgroundAustralian preventive health strategy outlines the importance of preconception health in improving health in the community, across multiple generations and places primary and community healthcare services as a central pillar to effective preconception care. However, there is no national implementation plan to see preconception care proactively offered in healthcare settings in Australia. Instead, there is evidence that most women search the internet for information about pregnancy planning and preparation. In response, this study explores the availability and characteristics of health services found by searching for preconception care online in Australia.MethodSimulated Google searches were conducted using search terms ‘preconception’ and the name of a city/town with a population > 50,000. Related terms, ‘fertility’ and ‘pregnancy’ were also searched. Characteristics of the health services and the information available on relevant websites were extracted and reported descriptively.ResultsThe searches identified 831 website links, including 430 websites for health services. The health services were most often located in cities/towns with populations equal to or less than 200 000 (54.2%), and housing multiple health professionals (69.8%) including a specialist doctor (66.5%), nurse (20.9%), psychologist/counsellor (2.0%) and/or naturopath (13.0%). All the health services identified online explicitly mentioned women among their target populations, while 69.1% (n = 297) also referred to providing services for men or partners. More than one third of websites included blogs (36.9%) while external links were included in 10.8% of the online sites.ConclusionsThis study provides a preliminary examination of health services that may be found through internet-based searching by Australian consumers seeking health advice or support prior to becoming pregnant. Our descriptive results suggest couples may find a variety of health professionals when seeking health services for preconception care. Future research involving co-design of search terms with consumers, ongoing monitoring of health services and ensuring access to meaningful, and accurate information found through internet-searching are all necessary to ensure people of reproductive age are able to access the preconception health information and care they need.

The experience of pregnancy and motherhood in the career of Brazilian’s sportswomen: a qualitative study

Motherhood is a period there is a deconstruction of one identity and reconstruction of another, including changes in self-concept, commitment, and learning. For athletes who become mothers, these changes also occur and impact in their career. We aim to describe the experience of being pregnant for a group of Brazilian athletes, understanding the impact of maternity on the career and the postpartum for these women. A qualitative descriptive and exploratory study was conducted followed the guideline Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). We are using the semi-structured interviews with nine Brazilian athletes all of whom were professional athletes at the time they became pregnant. Maximum Variation Sampling and the snowball technique were used. The analysis was done using Iramuteq software, which performed Descending Hierarchical Classification (DHC) and Similarity Analysis. The nine athletes had a mean age of 38.3 years (SD: 5.5 years), from different levels and sports, and all had at least one child. We identified 488 text segments, which resulted in two branches, divided into five classes: History in sport (class 2); Pregnancy planning and immediate postpartum (class 5); reconciling the routines of athlete and mother (class 3); Social support narrative (class 4); Childcare (class 1). The findings indicate that athletes can have emotional ga ins in reconcile motherhood with their sports careers to the extent that they have social support, relative planning to become pregnant, and reconcile their athletic routine with baby care. Keywords: Athletes; Pregnancy; Maternity, Sportswoman; Qualitative research; Career transition; Iramuteq.