Contextualising challenges of reproduction and motherhood in Florence, Italy: a qualitative study

DeMaria, Andrea L.; Rivera, Sydney; Naoum, Zeina; Ramos‐Ortiz, Jaziel; Meier, Simon; Dykstra, Chandler

doi:10.1080/13625187.2019.1709814

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Reproductive decisions, including pregnancy and birth, are multi-faceted and relate to individual, social, and provider experiences and preferences (1,2). An often overlooked aspect of pregnancy knowledge and preparation is preconception health and healthcare (3).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Pregnancy and birth risk may be socially constructed (1,14,15). One study noted pregnancy and birth media portrayals as dangerous increased fear and concerns among their sample (15).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, addressing risk misperceptions during the preconception period may reduce fears by demonstrating safe and healthy deliveries that align with normal birthing processes (5,6,8,9,24). Social construction of risk may also stem from social support systems and culture (1,2,(32)(33)(34)(35). How women hear pregnancy and birth discussed among family and friends and in social settings may prime women toward or reduce fear and risk.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Modeling Preconception Perceptions of Pregnancy and Birth: A Qualitative Study of Women Living in Italy

Rivera

Meier

Naoum

et al. 2021

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Background: Preconception health planning is a recognized resource for optimization of physical and mental-emotional health prior to pregnancy, though few women and providers demonstrate high awareness of preconception health. Furthermore, concerns, fear, and risk perceptions are often absent from the discussion, despite their potential impact on pregnancy and birth decision-making. These themes remain understudied in Italian populations. Methods: Researchers conducted in-depth interviews in 2017 with 43 reproductive-aged women living in or around Florence, Italy, and currently using the Italian health care system. An expanded grounded theory approach was used to explore pregnancy and birth perceptions. HyperRESEARCH facilitated open and axial coding for thematic analyses.Results: Themes emerged in the form of three continuous spectrums across which women view pregnancy and birth decision-making in the preconception period. First, participants identified strong social and healthcare support for pregnancy and birth, which at times was perceived as excessive or limiting (Supported vs. Controlled). Second, participants contrasted Italian preferences for natural and holistic processes with the medical model of prenatal care and birth (Natural vs. Medical). Third, participants constructed pregnancy and birth through risk narratives, placing a high priority on safety (Safe vs. Risky). While women described a culture of social support and natural lifestyle preferences, they also emphasized complications and risk, treatment of pregnant women as sick or fragile, seemingly rigorous prenatal care, and birth choices contingent on as-of-yet unexperienced complications. High levels of social and medical control surrounding pregnancy correlated with high levels of perceived risk. Conclusions: Findings offer opportunities for practitioners to address pregnancy- and birth-related concerns and misinformation through an integrated model demonstrating both the destructive role of risk and control as well as the possibility of a more positive emphasis on safety and support.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Pregnancy and birth risk may be socially constructed (1,14,15). One study noted pregnancy and birth media portrayals as dangerous increased fear and concerns among their sample (15).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%