title: Women's decision making and experience of subsequent pregnancy following stillbirth.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study sought to increase understanding of women's thoughts and feelings about decision making and the experience of subsequent pregnancy following stillbirth (intrauterine death after 24 weeks' gestation).
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven women were interviewed, 8 of whom were pregnant at the time of the interview. Modified grounded theory was used to guide the research methodology and to analyze the data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A model was developed to illustrate women's experiences of decision making in relation to subsequent pregnancy and of subsequent pregnancy itself.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of the current study have significant implications for women who have experienced stillbirth and the health professionals who work with them. Based on the model, women may find it helpful to discuss their beliefs in relation to healing and health professionals to provide support with this in mind. Women and their partners may also benefit from explanations and support about the potentially conflicting emotions they may experience during this time.
authors.affiliation: Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Unité de Recherche, 25A Rue du Bugnon, Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Kirstie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McKenzie-McHarg
authors.forename: Antje
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Horsch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011247:Pregnancy; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012747:Sexual Partners; D050497:Stillbirth / Q000523:psychology*; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: decision making; grounded theory; perinatal loss; pregnancy; stillbirth