Background
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) constitute one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide, and are associated with an increased risk of recurrence and future cardiovascular disease. HDP affect women’s health condition, mode of birth and timing, length of hospital stay, and relationship with their newborn and family, with future life repercussions.
Aims
To explore the experiences of women with HDP from pregnancy to postpartum, and to identify (a) their perceptions and understanding of HDP, (b) their understanding of future health risks, and (c) the possible interventions by healthcare providers.
Methods
A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute method and in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The following databases were searched from 1990 to 2020 (October): MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar database. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used as a guide for the qualitative analysis. Content analysis and synthesis of findings were conducted using Nvivo12.
Results
Of the 1971 articles identified through database searching, 16 articles met the inclusion criteria. After data extraction, content analysis yielded six categories: ‘Life-threatening disorder’, ‘Coping with HDP’, ‘Concerns for baby and challenges of motherhood’, ‘Fear of recurrence and health problems’, ‘Necessity of social and spiritual support’, and ‘Positive and negative experiences in the healthcare context’. Women faced complex difficulties from the long treatment process while transitioning to motherhood.
Conclusion
Our findings revealed the perceptions and understanding of women regarding HDP as a life-threatening disorder to both mothers and their babies which mothers need to cope with. Recovery of physical condition and the long-term psychological effects of HDP on women should be given attention by mothers and HCP to reduce future health risks. Importantly, a lifelong follow-up system is recommended for women with HDP.
Aim
This study aimed to explore the experiences among postpartum women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, from pregnancy to admission at a referral hospital in Tanzania.
Methods
This was a descriptive cross‐sectional design with purposive sampling. Data were collected from semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with postpartum women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders and who were admitted to the maternity ward of Muhimbili National Hospital. Data were analyzed using NVivo software for qualitative content analysis.
Results
Fourteen women participated in interviews. Half were primipara and two‐thirds had over four antenatal visits. Data analysis yielded four categories and 27 sub‐categories. The four categories were: “I'm shocked; I thought I was normal,” “The treatment journey,” “What health care providers did and did not teach me,” “I have a risky future; I hope health care providers can help me.”
Conclusion
Women regarded themselves going from being normal to having a risk through the process of experiencing their treatments. They did not expect to be admitted or referred to a major hospital and while they demanded more information and education, they also expressed appreciation for their health care providers. Education during pregnancy addressing their needs and level of understanding is recommended for improvement of early detection and access to the health service.
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