Women's experiences in delaying pregnancy.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore women's experiences in delaying pregnancy. The objectives of this study were to identify factors that influence women in delaying pregnancy, to explore the impact of delaying pregnancy on the woman's lifestyle, and to determine women's awareness of risks associated with delaying pregnancy. In order to accomplish the objectives of this study, a qualitative approach was chosen. Audiorecorded semi-structured interviews were conducted, guided by an interview schedule which was specifically designed for the purpose of this study. A total of seven women attending Parentcraft classes were recruited using purposive sampling. All of the women recruited consented to participate in the study. Ethical issues were safeguarded and prioritised. Data analysis was undertaken according to Bumard's (1991) thematic content analysis framework. The resulting three themes which emerged identified the factors influencing 'the timing of motherhood' while becoming more acquainted with 'the experience of motherhood' and gained an understanding of 'women's views on delaying pregnancy'. The fmdings showed that the majority of women approached childbearing as a major 'project' in their life - a 'project' which had been delayed due to various factors such as personal, health, educational and career purposes. The study also revealed that the experience of pregnancy evoked a broad range of positive feelings, but also anxiety related to the baby's wellbeing and childbirth. Besides, information-seeking was found to be fundamental in their preparation for this new experience. However, a general lack of knowledge about the risks associated with advanced maternal age was observed. The findings obtained were discussed and compared to existing literature. In view of these findings the following recommendations for research, education and practice were put forward: the need for educational sessions to midwives and midwifery students; incorporating educational sessions as part of life skills or sexual health programmes for adolescents; providing counselling and appropriate referral as components of programmes that are in direct contact with parents-to-be; repeating the study on a broader scale to allow generalisabilty of the research findings; and conducting a similar study which explores men's experiences in delaying fatherhood.