Abstract
Objective: To explore the experiences of those who have received a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia during at least one previous pregnancy.
Design: A qualitative study utilising semi-structured interviews as the data collection method. Interview transcripts were analysed utilising Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Methods: Six women who have had a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia during at least one previous pregnancy were asked to take part in one interview.
Results: Three themes were derived from data analysis: Lack of awareness, quality of care, and long-term side effects. The women discussed their lack of awareness of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia prior to their diagnosis and reported that awareness was low amongst other mothers and those within their wider support network. The quality of care received by women varied with some praising information provision and support whilst others felt this was lacking stating ongoing uncertainties regarding their long term health and care. Women reported numerous effects of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia including memory issues pertaining to the delivery of their baby during the affected pregnancy, life-long hypertension and neurological issues. Women’s experiences were described as influencing decision-making regarding future pregnancies due to potential health implications.
Conclusions: This research highlights the impacts and effects of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia and the information and care needs women have following diagnosis. The need for greater awareness is highlighted and training for healthcare professionals particularly within primary care could enable knowledge transfer to support women making decisions about their reproductive health and to manage health risk through the implementation of health psychology interventions.
Design: A qualitative study utilising semi-structured interviews as the data collection method. Interview transcripts were analysed utilising Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Methods: Six women who have had a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia during at least one previous pregnancy were asked to take part in one interview.
Results: Three themes were derived from data analysis: Lack of awareness, quality of care, and long-term side effects. The women discussed their lack of awareness of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia prior to their diagnosis and reported that awareness was low amongst other mothers and those within their wider support network. The quality of care received by women varied with some praising information provision and support whilst others felt this was lacking stating ongoing uncertainties regarding their long term health and care. Women reported numerous effects of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia including memory issues pertaining to the delivery of their baby during the affected pregnancy, life-long hypertension and neurological issues. Women’s experiences were described as influencing decision-making regarding future pregnancies due to potential health implications.
Conclusions: This research highlights the impacts and effects of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia and the information and care needs women have following diagnosis. The need for greater awareness is highlighted and training for healthcare professionals particularly within primary care could enable knowledge transfer to support women making decisions about their reproductive health and to manage health risk through the implementation of health psychology interventions.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 26 Mar 2021 |
| Event | Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference 2021 - Duration: 29 Jun 2021 → 30 Jun 2021 |
Conference
| Conference | Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference 2021 |
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| Period | 29/06/21 → 30/06/21 |