The Impact of Miscarriage on the Subsequent Pregnancy: Thematic Analysis

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The Impact of Miscarriage on the Subsequent Pregnancy: Thematic Analysis

Journal Title: Journal of Experiential Psychotherapy - Year 2017, Vol 20, Issue 2

Abstract

Introduction: The impact of spontaneous miscarriage on the psychological state of mind of the women who went through this experience has recently become increasingly important, getting more and more in the focus of specialized researches. Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to examine, through thematic analysis, the impact of spontaneous miscarriage experiences on maternal-fetal attachment during pregnancy so that we can identify the specific psychological themes. Methods: A sample of pregnant women (n = 24) with prior miscarriages filled in a questionnaire designed to identify both the experiences of women who have gone through miscarriages and their effects on the current pregnancy and the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (M. Cranley, 1981). Then we initiated the qualitative analysis according to the six-step structure of the process proposed by V. Braun and V. Clarke (2006). Results: Following the thematic analysis process, four main themes were identified: Emotional charge, Avoidance of a new loss, the Protection shield, and the Maternal-fetal relationship, each of them having 1 to 5 subtopics. Conclusions: The current study highlights both the specific and the complexity of the emotional dynamics of pregnant women with a history of spontaneous miscarriage, and emphasizes on the fact that they become preoccupied with certain fears which determine distinct mechanisms and behaviours through which they seek to manage from one trimester of gestation to the next, aspects that clinicians should monitor and follow up throughout pregnancy.

Authors and Affiliations

Camelia-Vasilica Chețu

Keywords

miscarriage pregnancy perinatal loss prenatal attachment

EP ID EP245694
DOI -
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