The experiences of mothers who lost a baby during pregnancy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of mothers who lost a baby during pregnancy and care given by doctors and midwives during this period. To realise this goal the researcher followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual approach. Data were collected by using in-depth unstructured interviews. The interviews were taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed through open coding. Data were collected until saturation had occurred. All mothers who were interviewed described their experiences of the loss of a baby during pregnancy. Some shared the same experiences and others did not. In the findings of this research, it became clear that mothers with the loss of a baby during pregnancy had experienced hardships and difficult times during this period. They expressed the wish that people acknowledge their loss, be considerate, sensitive, and give them a listening ear and emotional support. On the other hand, mothers identified the inability of health workers to give them the appropriate support.