The experience of becoming a mother following successful in vitro fertilization: A grounded theory

Abstract

Aim: To develop a theory to explain women's experiences about becoming a mother following successful in vitro fertilization treatment.Design: This study is a qualitative study based on a constructivist grounded theory approach.Methods: Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide initially that was later to be changed to a flexible interview guide between June 2018 and 2019. Interviews were conducted with 18 women, who became pregnant and mothers following successful in vitro fertilization treatment. Data collection and analysis were performed in a cyclic manner using open, axial and selective coding. This study was reported based on consolidated criteria and was used to report qualitative research data. Findings:The core category, 'non-spontaneous path to motherhood', involved the following four categories: 'the treatment process is exhausting', 'leaving the infertility world', 'pregnancy under the shadow of fear' and 'getting stuck between fertile and infertile worlds' with 10 sub-categories. Conclusion:This study provides valuable insight into experiences of these women about becoming a mother. Unlike the Becoming a Mother Theory, it can be said that the anticipation stage, the first stage in the Becoming a Mother Theory, begins at the moment of embryo transfer in these women. Furthermore, the personal stage, the final stage in the Becoming a Mother Theory, is not completed within the first year after birth, even women were found to conceal experiences of in vitro fertilization treatment from the social environment even after birth.Impact: This study will provide potential support for obstetric healthcare professionals in better understanding women's experiences about becoming a mother following successful in vitro fertilization treatment.

Parents' experiencees of life after medicalised conception: A systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis

“…Doubt and disbelief regarding the pregnancy were expressed 9, 12, 32-34, linked to previous failed attempts to conceive 31,34,35 . Intense states of worry quickly followed with fears regarding the viability of the pregnancy and miscarriage prominent 11,12,27,[29][30][31][32][33][34][35] , particularly during the rst trimester.…”

“…Subtheme 1.1: Lacking a sense of safety Pregnancy was an emotionally overwhelming time for expectant parents. Ambivalence often accompanied successful conception with paradoxical feelings reported 9,26,31,32 For some, it was described as "the end of a nightmare" 29 (p.171) , feeling victorious that their " ght" 29 (p.171) with fertility or MAC was over.…”

“…However, for others this was a complicated process with a "fragile, obscure and unstable" identity 34 (p.5) , particularly during the rst trimester. Achieving pregnancy did not erase individuals' conception journey, impacting their ability to embrace their newly emerging identity 10,30,32,34 , causing disturbances in the self: "it may come to something positive [changes brought about by maternity],…”

“…The fears of loss apparent in pregnancy overspill into parenting 39 , leading to concern, "over-protection" 36 (p.48) and over-involved parenting 32,36,39 . This was characterised by constant monitoring 33,36,39 and supervision of their infants: "I'm very careful, I'm afraid that something bad happens for him, always keep an eye on him and keep him with me" 39 (p.1791) .…”

“…Reports of guilt, empathy and sadness for those still trying to achieve pregnancy were commented upon 9,11 . Parents reported " nding meaning in life" 9 (p.4) once pregnancy was achieved, shifting from a position of isolation to connection, feeling supported by others such as health professionals, family and friends 9,32 , bringing hope and optimism 9 .…”