Information women receive after recurring pregnancy loss in the antenatal setting of an academic hospital in Tshwane, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction and background The rising incidence of recurrent pregnancy loss among women in antenatal settings remains a concern in South Africa and globally. Despite the information available in healthcare settings, women still have varied perspectives about their pregnancy loss and receive very little or no information regarding the pregnancy loss. The purpose of the study is to explore and describe information women receive after pregnancy loss in an academic Hospital in Tshwane. Research design and methods A qualitative research design was followed to collect data from participants. The study involved 20 participants in an academic Hospital in Tshwane who has a history of two or more pregnancy losses and no live baby. A purposive nonprobability sampling was used where potential participants meeting the criteria, were invited to the interviews, and consented to participate in the study. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted on information women received after their pregnancy loss. Thematic analysis was used to interpret and make meaning of data received from the women. Trustworthiness and ethical principles were maintained throughout the study. Findings Eight themes emerged from the study. The findings indicated that women who have experienced pregnancy loss were provided with insufficient information or no information after recurrent pregnancy loss. Participants were interested in various methods of information provision which included online searching of information and the use of pamphlets that will provide relevant information to women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss. Participants perceived barriers to information provision included pain levels after the pregnancy loss, health care provider’s negative attitude towards participants and emotional status of the participants. Conclusion Recurrent pregnancy loss is an emotionally devastating experience for women hoping for a live baby. Health care providers and midwives should emphasize the benefits of early antenatal care, provide information on pregnancy loss in simplified language understood by the participants, and provide guidance on the use of varied sources such as online information and peer group support.