EXPERIENCING SPIRITUALITY IN PREGNANCY: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Spirituality is a powerful force in the universe or beyond the material aspects of life, and it creates a profound sense of unity or link to the universe. Pregnancy period is important because health and a better life in the mother directly affect fetal life. Physical and mental health of women significantly can affect the fetus, natural childbirth and breastfeeding. This study aimed to explore the experiences of spirituality in pregnancy.
The study was conducted as a qualitative research with phenomenological approach. It was done in the health centers of the Karaj's city. 6 pregnant women were selected by purposive sampling. After sampling, deep and semi-structured interviews using an interview guide were designed to collect the authentication information. In analyzing the data, Heidegger's hermeneutics approach known as hermeneutics cycle was used.
The findings included a central theme by the name of spirituality in pregnancy, and 7 sub-themes including: 1. Religiosity in pregnancy, 2. Spirituality in pregnancy, 3. Sensitization during pregnancy, 4. Control behavior towards spirituality, 5. Pregnancy as a change, 6. Shadow spirituality on embryos, and 7. The effect of spirituality on people.
Spirituality is an important factor in improving the health of the mother and fetus. So health professionals should consider spiritual attitude during pregnancy caring. Using religious teachings is important as one of the most essential factors in the spiritual health of pregnant women and the fetus.