A Follow‐up Study: Comparisons in Psychological Changes Among Infertile Couples

Abstract

Purpose:To investigate the meaning of spirituality in pregnancy by asking, "How does your faith or spirituality affect your pregnancy?" Background: Despite the emphasis of midwives on the holistic nature of pregnancy, few have described the meaning that spirituality may have for pregnant women. The study was guided by the HOPE Theory (Holistic Obstetrical Problem Evaluation). Methods: Study participants were recruited from a nonrandom convenience sample of 130 pregnant African American and Caucasian women between 16 and 28 weeks' gestational age. Content analysis was conducted, and data were coded and clustered under major themes. Results: Of the study sample, 62% were African American and 38% Caucasian; 76% were Medicaid recipients. Seven themes emerged on how faith or spirituality affected the women's pregnancy, including 1) strength and confidence, 2) guidance and support, 3) protection, 4) blessing or reward, 5) time to communicate with God, 6) help with difficult moral choices, and 7) a generalized positive effect. Of the 62 women who responded that spirituality affected their pregnancy, the overarching theme was a desire for connectedness to oneself, others, or God. Conclusion: The findings from this study emphasize the importance of spirituality within a holistic framework and the need for health care providers to attend to spirituality as a resource in pregnancy for those who value it.