title: A concept analysis of women's vulnerability during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report an analysis of the concept of vulnerability associated with pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The concept of vulnerability during childbirth is complex and the term, 'to be vulnerable' frequently attains a vague application. Analysis about vulnerability is needed to guide policy, practice, education and research. Clarity around the concept has the potential to improve outcomes for women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Concept analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Searches were conducted in CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, Psychinfo, MEDLINE, MIDIRS and ASSIA and limited to between January 2000 - June 2014. Data were collected over 12 months during 2014.
  
  
  METHODS
  This concept analysis drew on Morse's qualitative methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vulnerability during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period can be defined by three main attributes: (a) Threat; (b) Barrier; and (c) Repair. Key attributes have the potential to influence outcome for women. Inseparable sub-attributes such as mother and baby attachment, the woman's free will and choice added a level of complexity about the concept.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This concept analysis has clarified how the term vulnerability is currently understood and used in relation to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Vulnerability should be viewed as a complex phenomenon rather than a singular concept. A 'vulnerability journey plan' has the potential to identify how reparative interventions may develop the woman's capacity for resilience and influence the degree of vulnerability experienced. Methodology based around complex theory should be explored in future work about vulnerability.
authors.affiliation: SL Midwifery Education, Edge Hill University, Lancashire, UK.
authors.forename: Lesley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Briscoe
authors.affiliation: Centre for Global Women's Health, University of Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lavender
authors.affiliation: Applied Health Research, University of Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McGowan
mesh_terms: D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009035:Mothers; D009732:Nursing Care; D036801:Parturition; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People
keywords: barrier; birth; concept analysis; cross-discipline; midwives; nurses; postnatal; pregnancy; repair; threat; vulnerability