Resilient journeys amidst uncertainty: a qualitative study of women's experiences in subsequent pregnancies following pregnancy loss.

BACKGROUND

The experience of pregnancy loss inflicts lasting psychological trauma on women, significantly impacting their subsequent pregnancies. This study aimed to understand the feelings and thoughts of pregnant women with a history of pregnancy loss.

METHODS

Between February and May 2023, participants were purposively sampled from three tertiary hospitals and one community hospital in Guangdong Province, China. Two interviewers conducted semi-structured, one-on-one interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method.

RESULTS

Thematic saturation was achieved after 15 interviews, with three additional interviews confirming no new emergent themes, resulting a total of 18 participants. Four main themes emerged: (1) Resilient yet hyper-vigilant emotional experiences; (2) Supportive yet burdensome family dynamics; (3) Advanced yet impersonal healthcare services; and (4) Abundant yet complex information resources.

CONCLUSION

For pregnant women with a history of pregnancy loss, their unique experiences are deeply intertwined with family interactions, clinical encounters, and information-seeking behaviors. Developing personalized care models is essential to provide comprehensive support for this population.