Mothers' experiences of pregnancy care: A qualitative study

Objective (s): 

Prenatal care is essential for the birth of healthy babies and the maintenance of mothers' health. This study was conducted to explore the experiences of mothers regarding prenatal care at the Sureshjan Health Center.

This was a qualitative study using conventional analysis of the data. The study population consisted of 20 pregnant women from Sureshjan, Chaharmahal, and Bakhtiari province. A semi-structure in-depth interviews conducted to collect the data. Interviews continued until data saturation. The data were analyzed using an inductive method that involved open coding, category creation, and abstraction.

The results showed that participants pay serious attention to prenatal care and see it as a vital necessity for that period. The following three categories emerged from the analysis: maintaining and promoting maternal health, supporting fetal health, and maternal care literacy.

The pregnant mothers were aware of the importance of prenatal care and considered it necessary to maintain their health and the fetus, as well as to learn important skills related to pregnancy and infancy.