Social Support during pregnancy: A phenomenological exploration of young women’s experiences of support networks on pregnancy care and wellbeing in Soweto, South Africa

Abstract

Social support is deemed to have a crucial influence on maternal health and wellbeing during pregnancy. The objective of the study was to explore the experiences of pregnant young females and their receipt of social support in Soweto, South Africa. An interpretive phenomenological approach was employed to understand and interpret pregnant young women’s lived experiences of support networks on their pregnancy care and wellbeing. Data was collected conducting 18 in-depth interviews with young pregnant women. Analysis of the data resulted in the development of two superordinate themes: (1) relationships during pregnancy and (2) network involvement. Each superordinate theme was linked to subthemes that helped explain whether young women had positive or negative experiences of social support during their pregnancy care, and their wellbeing. The sub-themes emanating from the superordinate theme ‘relationships during pregnancy’ were (a) behavioural response of partner following disclosure of pregnancy, (b) behavioural response of family following disclosure of pregnancy, and (c) sense of emotional security. Accompanying subthemes of the superordinate theme ‘network involvement’ were (a) emotional and instrumental support, and (b) information support. An interpretation of the young women’s experiences has revealed that young women’s satisfaction with existing support networks and involvement of the various social networks contributed greatly to the participants having a greater sense of potential parental efficacy and increased acceptance of their pregnancies. Pregnant women who receive sufficient social support from immediate networks have increased potential to embrace and give attention to pregnancy-related changes. This could, in turn, foster positive behavioural outcomes that encourage engaging in good pregnancy care practices and acceptance of motherhood. Focusing on previously unexamined factors that could improve maternal health, such as social support, could improve maternal mortality rates and help achieve reproductive health accessibility universally.

The relationship between perceived stress and pregnancy distress with self‐care of pregnant women: The mediating role of social support—A cross‐sectional study

“…The findings are in line with the previous studies concluding that social support mediates between prenatal concerns and psychological well‐being, 71 as well as between prenatal stress and postpartum depression 72 . Good pregnancy care behavior can be encouraged through the reception of adequate social support 73 . On the other hand, low social support can predict behavior such as sedentary lifestyle, and increased alcohol consumption which can give rise to health‐related complications, 74 and increased BMI 75 …”

“…72 Good pregnancy care behavior can be encouraged through the reception of adequate social support. 73 On the other hand, low social support can predict behavior such as sedentary lifestyle, and increased alcohol consumption which can give rise to health-related complications, 74 and increased BMI. 75 Several studies have investigated the relationship between perceived stress, social support, and prenatal mental health.…”

Navigating relationship dynamics, pregnancy and fatherhood in the Bukhali trial: a qualitative study with men in Soweto, South Africa

“…Qualitative research methods are predominantly used in the Bukhali process evaluation in order to explore the complexities of context, implementation and mechanisms of impact. Previous qualitative research in the process evaluation have highlighted the important role of partners' (fathers of the baby) social support for participants during pregnancy 24 and during decisions around termination of pregnancy. 25 For this study, individual, in-depth interviews were deemed to be the most appropriate method for exploring individual perceptions around relationship dynamics, their partner's pregnancy, and fatherhood of partners.…”

Perspectives about social support among unmarried pregnant university students in South Africa

“…Stressors such as academic demands, lack of income and relationship problems with their partners could affect their psychological wellbeing [ 3 , 4 ]. Pregnant mothers therefore need support that involves undertaking tangible acts, showing concern, encouragement and care which increases potential for the expectant mother to embrace pregnancy-related changes and promote positive wellbeing for both mother and child [ 5 , 6 ].…”