article information

Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences: Vol.15, issue 6; e78904
published online: March 19, 2012
article type: Research Article
received: March 11, 2011
accepted: August 02, 2011

Women’s experiences of unwanted pregnancy

authors:

avatar Forough Mortazavi 1 , * , avatar Maryam Damghanian 1 , avatar Zahra Mottaghi 1 , avatar Mohammad Shariati 2

Dept. of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
Dept. of Social Medicine, School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

how to cite: Mortazavi F, Damghanian M, Mottaghi Z, Shariati M. Women’s experiences of unwanted pregnancy. J Kermanshah Univ Med Sci. 2012;15(6):e78904. 

Abstract

Background: Despite expanded coverage of family planning in Iran, unwanted pregnancy is a common problem. The aim of this study was to explore women’s experiences of unwanted pregnancy in Shahroud public health centers.
Methods: Purposive Sampling was conducted by means of focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews and by a semi-constructed questionnaire in this qualitative research. Five (FGDs) with 23 women in third trimester in pregnancy and 4 in-depth interviews with women with history of induced abortion were done. The method of Content analysis was used to analyze the data. 
Results: Results of the study can be divided into 4 categories: causes of naming pregnancy as an unwanted pregnancy, causes of unwanted pregnancy; husband, family and relatives’ reaction to unwanted pregnancy and the process of acceptance of unwanted pregnancy. Not planning for pregnancy due to physical, emotional and financial non-readiness for pregnancy and believe in two child policy were the main causes of naming pregnancy as unwanted by women. Process of adapting to pregnancy included not accepting pregnancy, trying abortion, accepting fetus and finally negative emotions towards past thoughts about abortion. Fathers and mothers had important roles in acceptance and continuation of pregnancy.
Conclusion: Women with unwanted pregnancy face emotional and psychological problems. Health care providers need to support couples to combat this critical period. 

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