Expecting a child: pregnancy in light of an ontological health model

Abstract

Nine themes on a rational and a contextual level were clustered to three themes on an existential level: A new life stage, The new life takes shape and Health is jeopardised. Contents of these themes were interpreted together with an ontological health model. Expecting a child means to do, be and become in expectation of the new life. Suffering and health are two different dimensions in a woman's life during pregnancy; they are integrated with one another and ever-present. It is in the meeting with the inevitable, life-changing gravidity and vulnerability that the integrative movement creates the new. Longing is the desire that provides motivation to continue.

The meaning of caring in prenatal care from Swedish women's perspectives

“…It may seem incorrect to speak about suffering in pregnancy because it is usually perceived as a healthy, joyful and normal condition . If suffering is discussed in relation to pregnancy, it is generally concerning the physical pain of childbirth . In Eriksson′s theory, the concept of suffering, however, has a deeper meaning than only presence of disease and physical pain and it is important to highlight these other dimensions to understand caring during pregnancy.…”

“…Suffering occurs in all human dimensions – body, soul and spirit – and, like health, is not a static event but a movement that can be expressed as having suffering, being or becoming through suffering . In a previous study, three concepts were highlighted that can describe the understanding of suffering during pregnancy: gravity, vulnerability and longing . Suffering arises when something is at stake, something that challenges or risks our path towards deeper unity, nascence and wholeness as a human being.…”

“…Suffering and joy are two sides of the same coin, where suffering can create a desire for the good and for more health and unity that is deeper integration . Longing during pregnancy can be seen as an expression of this when the wish for the new life drives one and gives a desire to move forward .…”

“…It is important that the caregiver captures the dimensions of the woman who is rooted in an existential sense of vulnerability. A request for additional check‐ups may be a plea to be seen in her vulnerability and receive respite . Part of truly caring is to be a guide and try to identify the intention for the woman′s desire when she is not able to verbally articulate it.…”

The Subjective Experience of Pregnancy and the Ex-pectations of Childbirth on a Medicalized World: a Qualitative Study

“…To become a mother represents, for many women, the possibility of being fulfilled, although pregnancy can be a period of existential challenges (Larsson, Wärna-Furu & Näsman, 2016).…”