The Perceptions of Parents in Northern Thailand Regarding Prenatal Development

Abstract

            Parents are the primary actors in promoting their unborn baby’s development,however, their worldviews on prenatal development are not clearly known. This qualitative descriptive research using semi-structured interviews to describe prenatal development from the perceptions of parents in northern Thailand. Data were collected between October 2015 and July 2016 from 31 mothers and 23 fathers living in Chiang Mai, and analysed using content analysis.
          Based on the parents’ perceptions, two categories emerged. Firstly, Beyond physical growth indicated that prenatal development was not limited to physical changes but included six subcategories: Growth, forming and functioning of organs; Meaningful fetal movement; Performing daily activities; Displaying feelings; Sensing and responding; and Learning and memorizing. The second category was Essential issues, consisting of four subcategories: No deformities, strong and healthy, or normal; Risks exist from conception to birth; Primarily moral and happy, and secondly intelligent; and a Link of development and deformity. The first three subcategories indicated parents’ perceptions about optimal prenatal development, a vulnerable period, and their expectations of a grown-up child. The last implied that development was not isolated from deformity; and that in promoting prenatal development, preventing fetal deformity was also performed simultaneously. Parents’ perceptions differed from healthcare providers’ worldviews to some extent. To strengthen person-centered care, nurses and midwives should consider parents’ perceptions of prenatal development in their dealings and education activities and care with them. Attempts to prevent birth defects should also be integrated into the topic of prenatal development promotion.