Maternal identity change as a consequence of antenatal hospitalization

Well-being in high-risk pregnancy: an integrative review

BACKGROUND

A prerequisite to the interventions for well-being improvement in high-risk pregnancy (HRP) is to make the concept clear, objective, and measurable. Despite the wealth of studies into the concept of well-being in HRP, there is no clear definition for it. This study aimed to explore the concept of well-being in HRP.

METHODS

This integrative review was conducted using the Whittemore and Knafl's approach. A literature search was done without any data limitation in dictionaries, thesauruses, encyclopedias, well-being-related textbooks, midwifery, psychology, and mental health journals, and Iranian and international databases. The most primary inclusion criterion was relevance to well-being in HRP. The full-texts of all these articles were assessed using the checklists of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data were analyzed through the constant comparison method and were managed using the MAXQDA 10 software. Meaning units were identified and coded. The codes were grouped into subcategories and categories according to the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of well-being in HRP.

RESULTS

Thirty articles were included in the review, from which 540 codes were extracted. The codes were grouped into seven main attributes, eight main antecedents, and five main consequences of well-being in HRP. The four unique dimensions of well-being in HRP are physical, mental-emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. These dimensions differentiate well-being in HRP from well-being in low-risk pregnancy and in non-pregnancy conditions.

CONCLUSION

As a complex and multidimensional concept, well-being in HRP refers to the pregnant woman's evaluation of her life during HRP. It includes physical, hedonic, and eudaimonic components. The assessment of well-being in HRP should include all these components.

[How a group of women perceives gestational hypertension disease]

This study aims to identify the knowledge women in childbirth (puerperas) have regarding gestational hypertension disease (GHD), to learn how they perceive its risk and gravity, and to understand the repercussions of GHD for these women and their families. This is a descriptive exploratory study using qualitative research methods. Data collection took place through individual semi-structured interviews with ten women in childbirth (puerperas) who were diagnosed with GHD. The analysis of the data was performed using Content Analysis. Thematic categories emerged addressing the women's knowledge of GHD; how they perceive diagnosis and the professional care offered; and the repercussions GHD had for them and their families. The study highlights the necessity to rethink and to reorganize the model of perinatal care, not only at the tertiary level but also at primary healthcare centers.

Women's experiences of preeclampsia: Australian action on preeclampsia survey of women and their confidants

INTRODUCTION

The experience of normal pregnancy is often disrupted for women with preeclampsia (PE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Postal survey of the 112 members of the consumer group, Australian Action on Pre-Eclampsia (AAPEC).

RESULTS

Surveys were returned by 68 women (61% response rate) and from 64 (57%) partners, close relatives or friends. Respondents reported experiencing pre-eclampsia (n = 53), eclampsia (n = 5), and/or Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets (HELLP syndrome) (n = 26). Many women had no knowledge of PE prior to diagnosis (77%) and, once diagnosed, did not appreciate how serious or life threatening it was (50%). Women wanted access to information about PE. Their experience contributed substantial anxiety towards future pregnancies. Partners/friends/relatives expressed fear for the woman and/or her baby and had no prior understanding of PE.

CONCLUSIONS

The PE experience had a substantial effect on women, their confidants, and their babies and affected their approach to future pregnancies. Access to information about PE was viewed as very important.