Lived Experiences of Recovered Pregnant Women from COVID-19: A Descriptive Phenomenology

Abstract

Background: Pregnant women represent a vulnerable demographic to COVID-19. In addition to the physical health risks posed to both the mother and fetus, COVID-19 engenders intricate and unique post-recovery experiences among pregnant women. This study explored the lived experiences of pregnant women who have recovered from COVID-19.Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach was employed for this research, conducted in southeastern Iran from January to May 2021. A purposive sampling method was utilized to select 12 participants, and data collection was accomplished through semi-structured interviews. The Colaizzi approach was employed for data analysis.Results: The study initially generated 278 codes, from which three principal themes aligned with the research objective. These primary themes encompass health risks, maternal responsibilities, and challenges associated with recovery.Conclusion: Pregnant women in the process of recovering from COVID-19 confront various health-related challenges, as well as those about child health. Policymakers, obstetricians, and midwives must provide support to enhance these individuals’ postrecovery quality of health.

Keywords

• survivorship
• covid-19
• pregnant women
• descriptive phenomenology
• lived experience