Pregnancy Loss from the Perspective of Muslim Turkish Women: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Pregnancy is an important period in a woman’s life and the end of this exciting journey with loss causes deep sadness and grief in the mother. Culture is an important factor affecting the individual’s reaction to loss. Many cultures are known to have certain rituals or traditions that provide support and reassurance during the grieving process. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of women who experienced pregnancy loss about their cultural beliefs and coping methods related to the mourning period. A qualitative design was used in the study with 21 women. Data were collected by conducting in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews using a pilot-tested interview guide. Three themes emerged from the qualitative data: (i) cultural reaction to prenatal loss; (ii) religious and spiritual practices; and (iii) coping strategies with prenatal loss. The identification of cultural factors in the bereavement process can guide researchers in the development of measurement tools related to the bereavement process, but more research is needed to reveal women’s perspectives and more cultural practices.

Keywords:

• Women
• pregnancy
• loss
• grief
• culture

Author contributions

Study conception and design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation: All authors; drafting of the article: FS; critical revision of the article: All authors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Şahika Şimşek Çetinkaya

Şahika Şimşek Çetinkaya RN, PhD, is assistant professor at Kastamonu University Health Science Faculty Department of Midwifery. She received her PhD degree in obstetrics and gynecology nursing from the Hacettepe University in Turkey, in 2018.

Filiz Şimşek

Filiz Şimşek, RN, MSc, is a nurse at Iğdır Dr. Nevruz Erez State Hospital. She acquired the degree of “Master of Science in Fundamentals of Nursing.”