Women’s experiences of unwanted pregnancy

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.