What Do Mothers Want during a High-risk Pregnancy? A Qualitative Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran;

2 Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Qu.C., Islamic Azad University, Quchan, Iran;

3 Department of Clinical Psychology, Senior Faculty of the William Glaser institute, Sydney, Australia

10.30476/ijcbnm.2025.103652.2571

Abstract

Background: Mothers with High-risk pregnancies (HRPs) face a combination of health risks,
individual factors, and contextual diseases that limit their abilities to address favorable situations and
their desires. This study aimed to explore the desires of these mothers.
Methods: This qualitative content analysis was conducted from July 2018 to December 2020 in the
teaching hospitals of Mashhad and health centers. Data were collected via semi-structured, face-toface
interviews with 25 outpatient mothers with HRPs until saturation was reached. Data analysis was
performed using Elo and Kingas approach through MAXQDA software version 10.
Results: The analysis identified four main categories and nine subcategories. (I) fulfillment of
the desire to have children: Childbearing to propagate religion, Childbearing until achieving the
desired family composition, Strengthening the marital bond through childbearing, (II) Maintaining
routine life despite the risk of pregnancy: Maintaining daily activities during a high-risk pregnancy,
Maintaining normal marital relations despite risk factors, (III) More support and interaction of the
healthcare provider: More support for peace of mind, Responsive and friendly healthcare provider, and
(IV) Comprehensive and confidential medical care: Comprehensive medical care without wandering,
confidential medical care.
Conclusion: Childbearing while maintaining marital and daily life was the desire of mothers with
HRPs in Iran. Healthcare providers should offer friendly, holistic support that respects the mothers’
goals to fulfill their desires. Investigating the views of women with HRPs can aid in developing
prenatal interventions that address their holistic care needs.

Keywords

International Journal of Community Based Nursing & Midwifery

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 October 2025

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