Azari women's experiences and perceptions of encountering unplanned pregnancy: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

A comprehensive understanding of women’s lived experiences and perceived needs during unplanned pregnancy in abortion-restricted settings is essential for designing effective, context-sensitive interventions. This study aimed to explore Iranian Azari women’s experiences and perceptions of encountering an unplanned pregnancy.

METHODS

This qualitative study employed a conventional content analysis approach. Purposive sampling was conducted from May to November 2024, in Tabriz, Iran. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews with 13 pregnant women (gestational age 16–39 weeks) experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Data collection and analysis were conducted concurrently using the Graneheim and Lundman (2004) content analysis method.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed four main themes reflecting the participants’ experiences. The first theme, Encountering and Adapting to Unplanned Pregnancy, included initial shock, disbelief, resistance to acceptance, and gradual adaptation to the new condition. The second theme, Perceived Threats, encompassed intense personal, familial, and social concerns regarding the unplanned pregnancy. The third theme, Facilitators of Continuation Decision, reflected the influence of factors such as time passage, religious beliefs, hearing the fetal heartbeat, and social support in fostering pregnancy acceptance and reducing the desire for abortion. The final theme, Inadequacy of Healthcare and Support Systems, highlighted women’s feelings of isolation, being misunderstood, and dissatisfaction due to lack of adequate support from their families, healthcare systems, and social institutions, which exacerbated their emotional distress.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that women with unplanned pregnancies experience a range of emotional responses and initial resistance rooted in perceived personal, familial, and societal threats. In the context of legal and religious restrictions on abortion, many women feel compelled or choose to continue the pregnancy. In this process, perceived spousal and social support, along with adequacy and quality of antenatal care, plays a crucial role in shaping their experience. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.