Lessons from the Field Beyond the Numbers: Narratives of Professionals on Women who Experienced Severe Maternal Morbidity

Abstract

Objective Several factors might affect the health and the quality of life of women who had a severe maternal morbidity (SMM) or a maternal near-miss (MNM) episode. The objective of the present study was to explore the perspectives of the professionals on the repercussions of SMM or of MNM after interviewing women who survived such episodes. Method Selected cases that captured the attention of professionals were reported. The professionals built individually 10 narratives, which were analyzed with the technique of content analysis. Results According to the perspectives of the professionals, women surviving a severe maternal condition and their families experienced clinical and psychosocial consequences. Some cases portrayed the intense psychological distress in mourning for the loss of the fetus or of their reproductive capacity and changes in family dynamics generating emotional overload, depression, and gender violence. Conclusion The analysis of narratives may offer an idea on the complexity of the perception of care by professionals and on the need for an interdisciplinary follow-up of women surviving an SMM or an MNM episode.

Quality of life after maternal near miss: A systematic review

“…To the best of our knowledge, no systematic reviews have so far examined the association between QoL and MNM and provided an overview of the literature in the field. Previous reviews have been conducted, yet they are either non-systematic 4,5 or only cover parts of the concept of QoL, such as sexual dysfunction, posttraumatic stress disorder and needs of the women after MNM. [6][7][8] Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the literature on MNM and QoL and examine the evidence for the association between MNM and overall QoL as well as specific elements of QoL, namely, mental, social and sexual health as well as economic costs.…”

“…To the best of our knowledge, no systematic reviews have so far examined the association between QoL and MNM and provided an overview of the literature in the field. Previous reviews have been conducted, yet they are either non‐systematic 4,5 or only cover parts of the concept of QoL, such as sexual dysfunction, posttraumatic stress disorder and needs of the women after MNM 6–8 …”

Comparison of labour and postnatal satisfaction between women with and without severe maternal morbidity: a double-cohort study

“…Women with trauma from severe maternal morbidity continued to seek professional advice and support after discharge from hospital, 33 especially on maternal functioning, sexual health and quality of life. 34 Healthcare professionals need to support these mothers since they are at higher risk of impairment in their physical, mental and reproductive health after pregnancy, including an increased risk of death. 35 …”