A Grounded Theory of the Transition from a High-Risk Pregnancy to Motherhood among Women in Northern Thailand

Authors

  • Somphit Amphai RN, PhD (candidate). Lecturer, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
  • Kannika Kantaruksa RN, PhD. Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
  • Punpilai Sriarporn RN, PhD. Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
  • Nantaporn Sansiriphun RN, PhD. Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.

Keywords:

Experiences, Grounded theory, High risk, Midwifery, Nursing, Pregnancy, Qualitative, Symbolic Interaction, Transition

Abstract

                The transition to motherhood of pregnant women deemed to be of high-risk is a critical period in their lives. They may be confronted with the transition from a woman with a health condition or a healthy pregnancy to being pregnant with complications, and who requires professional and self-care to prevent harm or complications that may occur to both themselves and their fetus. This grounded theory study aimed to explore and develop a theory about the transition experiences from pregnancy to motherhood of such women in Northern Thailand. A purposive sample of 21 women with high-risk pregnancies from the antenatal clinics of two hospitals in Chiang Mai, Thailand were interviewed in-depth during December 2015-August 2016. Interview data were collected and analyzed using grounded theory methodology.

                 The core category that emerged from data analysis was Struggling to have a healthy baby. This transition experience during pregnancy consisted of three phases: Facing a high-risk pregnancy, Hoping for a healthy baby, and Facing the unexpected, and the women underwent many struggles to have a healthy baby. Our findings revealed significant cultural and spiritual beliefs and activities that the women engaged in to ensure a healthy pregnancy, such as eating and drinking traditional herbs, warding off evil, and praying. Midwives and other health care providers can utilize our findings to have a deeper understanding of such women’s feelings, concerns, and strategies to provide comprehensive care for them. They can provide support and encouragement, information about a highrisk pregnancy and its management, and quality nursing care that promotes a good transition experience during pregnancy in this group.

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Published

2021-03-27

How to Cite

1.
Amphai S, Kantaruksa K, Sriarporn P, Sansiriphun N. A Grounded Theory of the Transition from a High-Risk Pregnancy to Motherhood among Women in Northern Thailand. PRIJNR [Internet]. 2021 Mar. 27 [cited 2024 Apr. 26];25(2):213-28. Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/PRIJNR/article/view/226943

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 2 (2021): April-June, 2021

Section

Original paper

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Copyright: The Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research, Thailand Nursing & Midwifery Council has exclusive rights to publish, reproduce and distribute the manuscript and all contents therein.