Psychological needs during pregnancy: A qualitative analysis of new mothers' introspections

Abstract

The current study aims to focus on possible psychological needs of prospective mothers during pregnancy, based on the reports of new mothers’ experiences. In this qualitative study, the data was collected from fifteen mothers aged 18-31 years who were 3 to 6 months postpartum and who had given birth to a full-term baby. Mothers were conveniently selected from the records of Family Health Centers in Istanbul by midwives. In-depth interviews were conducted individually. This study focuses on four main areas examined, namely, the prenatal experiences of the mothers, factors related to the prenatal experiences, aspirations for an ideal pregnancy and ways of addressing the needs of the pregnant women. The findings of this study are grouped into twelve themes: physical health, prenatal follow-ups, feelings throughout pregnancy, preparedness and expectations, supportive resources, preparatory activities, working conditions, regrets or gladness about former pregnancy, wishes for an ideal pregnancy, recommended methods and topics, recommended sources and suggestions of the mothers. The findings are discussed under three headings: health related experiences, facilitators throughout transition to motherhood and suggested interventions for an ideal pregnancy. The findings indicate the importance of support from people around pregnant women, relationship with the spouse and knowledge about transition to motherhood as well as physical well-being during pregnancy. Therefore; supportive resources of pregnant women should be improved and enriched to overcome the changes during transition to motherhood.