Pregnant Women’s Experiences of the Conditions Affecting Marital Well-Being in High-Risk Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: High-risk pregnancy is associated with many problems which can affect marital wellbeing<br />as well as maternal and fetal health. Yet, there is limited information about the conditions which<br />affect marital well-being in high-risk pregnancy. This study aimed to explore the pregnant women's<br />experiences of the conditions affecting marital well-being in high-risk pregnancy<br />Methods: This qualitative study was conducted from October 2018 to December 2019. Participants<br />were 24 women with high-risk pregnancy who were purposively selected from three public and two<br />private hospitals as well as a primary healthcare center in Mashhad, Iran. Face-to-face semi-structured<br />interviews were conducted for data collection. Data were analyzed concurrently with data collection<br />through Graneheim and Lundman's content analysis (2004). The MAXQDA program (v. 10) was used<br />for data management.<br />Results: Conditions affecting marital well-being in high-risk pregnancy were categorized into eleven<br />subcategories and three main categories, namely emotional spousal intimacy in the midst of danger,<br />husband's commitment to manage the difficult conditions of pregnancy and sexual relationship during<br />high-risk pregnancy.<br />Conclusion: Several conditions can affect marital well-being in high-risk pregnancy. Healthcare<br />providers can develop and use strategies for the effective management of these conditions, thereby<br />improving marital well-being among women with high-risk pregnancy.