Restrained expectations in late pregnancy following loss.
OBJECTIVE
To describe women's late pregnancy after loss experiences (from 25 weeks gestation to birth), document the timing and frequency of their common discomforts and events, and explore changes in these experiences over time.


METHODS
A longitudinal, qualitative study of pregnancy calendar entries and field notes.


METHODS
Prenatal care providers and community canvassing in Central New York and the Internet.


METHODS
Pregnant women (N= 69) with a history of perinatal loss.


METHODS
Women's pregnancy calendar entries and field notes.


RESULTS
Thematic data analysis yielded two main themes and several subthemes: (a) Precarious Pregnancy Security with subthemes of Informed Awareness and Varying Emotions and (b) Prudent Baby Preparations with subthemes of Physical, Social, and Emotional Preparation.


CONCLUSIONS
Women reported an increased sense of security about the pregnancy and baby over time but this security was easily shaken. For women with a history of later or multiple loss, anxiety may remain high or increase as the due date approaches. Fetal movement is the most common barometer of fetal well-being during this part of pregnancy. With a better understanding of pregnancy after loss, clinicians can have a positive impact on women's prenatal experiences.
Côté-Arsenault
Denise
D
University of Rochester School of Nursing, Manlius, NY 13104, USA. denise_cote-arsenault@urmc.rochester.edu
Donato
Kara L
KL
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004644:Emotions; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D005324:Fetal Movement; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009518:New York; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D017584:Reproductive History; D012944:Social Support; D050497:Stillbirth / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires