Pregnancy loss in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: Grounded Theory

Abstract

Objective: to learn the meanings attributed to pregnancy loss by women with Lupus. Method: qualitative research, based on Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory. Data collection took place between January and August 2022 through in-depth interviews. Data analysis went through the stages of initial and focused coding. Results: seventeen women participated. The central phenomenon “The climb to motherhood: falls and overcoming” was constructed, consisting of three categories: “Falling to the ground during the climb: the experience of pregnancy loss”; “Getting up and following the path: new attempts to conceive”; and “Remembering the journey: meanings attributed to pregnancy losses”. Final considerations: experiencing pregnancy is, analogously, like climbing a mountain, where obstacles need to be overcome to reach the summit. The experience of pregnancy loss is seen as complex, especially when there is fragility in healthcare and a lack of awareness regarding feelings of loss and grief.