First-time mothers’ experiences of meaningfulness during their third trimester of pregnancy: A focus on spirituality

Abstract

This study sought to gain in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of first-time mothers during their third trimester of pregnancy. The non-probability, purposive sample were Afrikaans speaking first-time mothers aged between 22 and 40 years. Data on their experiences of meaningfulness during their pregnancy were collected using the Mmogo-Method® and reflective journals. The data were thematically analyzed combining textual data and visual depictions. This group of first-time mothers expressed a very personal relationship with a Divine reality that they rely on and derive meaningfulness from their pregnancy and birthing experiences. They perceived a Divine reality as the giver of life and that they were given a responsibility to carry new life. Sense of meaningfulness during pregnancy was strongly associated with spirituality.

Being in a bubble – Childbirth as a potential path towards becoming in health – Lived experiences of mothers during childbirth

“…Accordingly, childbirth could be the source of a new and deepened understanding of self, life and meaning; literarily, a potential path to growth towards becoming in health. This can be compared to Redelingshuys et al and Modh et al (13,14), who state that the experience of pregnancy, especially in young women, can be a life-opener or an event that paves a way towards a more profound understanding of life.…”

“…and Modh et al. , who state that the experience of pregnancy, especially in young women, can be a life‐opener or an event that paves a way towards a more profound understanding of life.…”

“…Some studies focus on pregnancy illnesses or other health problems, such as morning sickness, tiredness or depression or miscarriages . Only scant attention has been directed at childbirth in general or its potential, including inner strength and positive outcomes, such as women's possibilities to acquire a deeper understanding of life and its meaning through childbirth . Modh, Lundgren and Bergbom maintain that the experience of pregnancy, especially in young women, can be a ‘life‐opener’, that is, an event that enables a more profound understanding of life.…”

Inner voice of pregnant women: A qualitative study

“…This definition may be related to the person's age, sex, race, culture, previous experiences, and psychological well-being. [4] The most commonly used definition of spirituality includes “the meaning of life, individual perceptions of faith, and an individual's relationship with the Ultimate Source”;[5] “the connection that people make to something beyond themselves as a means of reaching self-actualization;”[2] and “a sense of connection with oneself, others, nature, and the transcendent.” The last definition is in accordance with existential well-being, which is one aspect of spiritual well-being. Spiritual well-being refers to one's perceived sense of well-being from a spiritual attitude.…”

“…Therefore, in situations like pregnancy, which is a deeply meaningful event in every woman's life, a number of cultural and religious traditions come out and provide support for health as a whole. [467] Discovering the spiritual experiences of pregnant women might play an underlying role in understanding this concept. Moreover, it is important to discover culturally diverse spiritual feelings, thoughts, and experiences of pregnant women, since sharing distinct but common experiences might help them find out a common language to express whatever they feel during this meaningful period.…”