Experiences of women with threatened abortion: a qualitative study of pregnant women and health providers in Iran

Abstract

Background

There are significant health and psychological consequences associated with threatened abortion (TA). Women who lose desired pregnancies due to abortion are at risk of experiencing grief, anxiety, guilt, and self-blame. In Iranian society, psychological support for pregnant women is low, and as a result, women with TA experience high stress. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of pregnant women with TA and health providers in maternity healthcare services.

Methods

This exploratory-descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews and purposive sampling. 13 pregnant women and seven key informants (husband and health care providers) were selected from February 2023 to July 2023. Data was analysed using qualitative content analysis with MAXQDA software (version 18).

Results

The most critical causes of concern for women included medical, psychological, social, and financial issues and a lack of sufficient information about their current situation (spotting- bleeding). The participants used constructive coping strategies, such as regular visits to the doctor, and unconstructive coping strategies, like a lack of communication with others, to reduce their worries. Key informants proposed two methods for reducing the concerns of the women, including improving information sharing about abortion and therapeutic support available to pregnant women.

Conclusions

The study proposed that maternity healthcare providers, alongside medical care, should pay attention to techniques for improving the psychological support of women with TA.