Iranian Women’s experiences of dealing with the complexities of an unplanned pregnancy

What is it about?

The aim of this study was to explore women’s experiences of dealing with the complexities of an unplanned pregnancy. Design: Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the reports of women experiencing unplanned pregnancy and provide meaning to the results. Setting: Participants from Tabriz, Iran were recruited using purposive sampling method from June to September 2016. Participants: Data were gathered using face to face unstructured interviews among 23 women between the ages of 18-48 who recently reported having experienced an unplanned pregnancy. Findings: Outcomes of the data analysis yielded the formation of four distinct themes; disbelief and negative affective responses, fragile justification, perceived supports and post-decision dissonance.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

he unexpected nature of unplanned pregnancy and lack of preparation provoked the negative reactions towards to pregnancy.  Most women facing unplanned pregnancy used the justification strategies to rationalize their decision to terminate the pregnancy.  Although social barriers of abortion influenced most women continue with an unplanned pregnancy, it resulted in unsafe behaviors during the pregnancy and perinatal depression.  For most women, the emotional effects of unplanned pregnancy represented the greatest challenges not just immediately after pregnancy recognition, but throughout the course of decision making and selected course of action.

Perspectives