The experience of high-risk pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the experience of high-risk pregnancy from the perspectives of mothers and fathers.


METHODS
A naturalistic inquiry using selected grounded-theory techniques.


METHODS
Interviews occurred within the hospital.


METHODS
A sample of 21 parents who experienced high-risk pregnancy and the birth of a preterm infant.


METHODS
Responses and management of responses to high-risk pregnancy.


RESULTS
Emotional responses to high-risk pregnancy were (a)vulnerability--the realization that pregnancy outcome was at risk, (b)heightened anxiety--the transition from normal activities to bed rest and hospitalization, and (c)inevitability--the imminent premature delivery of an infant with a guarded prognosis.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings have relevance for perinatal nurses. Nurses who have knowledge of the emotional responses parents experience during high-risk pregnancy can provide supportive care to these individuals.
McCain
G C
GC
Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039.
Deatrick
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D017283:Neonatal Nursing; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support