Being Pregnant: A Qualitative Study of Women's Lived Experience of Pregnancy
Few studies of pregnancy have been designed to include the pregnant woman's perspective. This qualitative study was conducted to explore women's perspectives of their experience of pregnancy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 pregnant women (24-39 years). The analysis revealed six major themes: support during pregnancy; experience of pregnancy; finding information; changing values; model of care; and being responsible. Results suggest that women's experience of pregnancy may be enhanced offering guidance and enabling access to multiple sources of support. Future research into the health-care professional's role, and the ways in which pregnant women connect with each other, is supported.
KEY WORDS: Pregnancy, qualitative, social support.
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Toni M. Armstrong and Julie Ann Pooley
Edith Cowan University, Western Australia
Send correspondence to: Julie Ann Pooley, School of Psychology, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Dve, Joondalup, Perth, Western Australia, 6027. Phone 618 6304 5591; fax: 618 6304 5834; email: j.pooley@ecu.edu.au
