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Early unintentional pregnancy loss as it is experienced by the couple : a phenomenological study

University of British Columbia

This phenomenological study examined the experience of miscarriage from the couple's perspective. The study participants were six couples who had miscarried within four weeks of the initial interview. Data were collected in interviews and were analyzed concurrently. Themes were identified and validated by the couples as the interviews progressed. Findings from analysis confirmed that couples grieve following a miscarriage. This grief experience is represented by a composite of four interacting motifs called Discovery, Disclosure, Definition and Decision. Each motif is characterized by dominant emotions and behaviours. The composite interacts with the external theme of Health Care Interactions. Findings supported assertions that individuals within the couple relationship grieve incongruently. The grief experience is facilitated or hampered by the quality of health care interactions the couple experiences. Couples identified needs that were unmet during the experience particularly the need to talk through the experience at a later time and the need to have their losses acknowledged by their health care givers. Differences in Discovery were found between couples who had a prodromal phase of miscarriage and those who had a missed abortion. Couples who had a missed abortion experienced confusion in addition to the shock and disbelief encountered at this time. Findings also supported the assertion that grief following a miscarriage is generally resolved within twelve weeks. This description of the grief experience following a miscarriage will assist nurses to provide couple-centred care to facilitate resolution of their grief. Implications for practice, research and education are described to enhance the nurse's ability to provide more effective care to miscarrying couples.

Text

2010-11-02

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/29734

Nursing

University of British Columbia

Graduate