Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to clarify the experiences, from pregnancy with a first child to puerperium and childcare, of women who became pregnant through fertility treatment.
Methods
The subjects were 9 women who were receiving fertility treatment for a second pregnancy after giving birth to a first child through fertility treatment. Data were obtained from semi-structured interviews on the subjects' experiences from pregnancy with a first child through fertility treatment to puerperium and childcare, and a qualitative descriptive study was performed.
Results
Nine categories were identified as experiences of pregnancy: Growing desire for a second child; contrary to expectations, lack of actual sense of pregnancy and delivery; joy and pride in pregnancy; anxiety and reassurance in selecting a birthing facility; feeling of relief at having come this far on a long journey; acceptance that one cannot have a natural delivery; fluctuation between anxiety about abnormalities or disorders in the fetus and feeling that it will be all right; thankfulness and stress with respect to family; and uncertainty about continuation of pregnancy. Three categories were identified as experiences of the intrapartum period: Longing for the birth of a healthy child; delivery with little sense of fulfillment; and joy at becoming a mother and motivation for child rearing. Five categories were identified as experiences of puerperium and childcare: Joy felt from existence of baby; easing of worries regarding baby; anxiety about raising one's first child despite joyful birth after much difficulty; weakness of one's feelings and emotion towards childbirth; and connection between unsettling events and medical treatment.
Conclusion
Women who became pregnant through fertility treatment had various experiences, including anxiety about abnormalities or disorders in the fetus during pregnancy, intrapartum period, puerperium, and child raising, and weak sense of fulfillment from pregnancy and childbirth. The findings suggest that nurses need to understand these unique experiences of women who have difficulty becoming pregnant and provide appropriate care.
