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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 1/2020

01-12-2020 | Research article

Life situation and support during pregnancy among Thai expectant mothers with depressive symptoms and their partners: a qualitative study

Authors: Nitikorn Phoosuwan, Pornpun Manasatchakun, Leif Eriksson, Pranee C. Lundberg

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Expectant parents may have positive and negative emotions during pregnancy and receive support from different sources. Studies on life situation and support among couples have rarely been conducted. This study aims to explore life situation and support during pregnancy among expectant mothers with depressive symptoms and their partners.

Methods

Twenty-seven expectant mothers, in the last trimester of pregnancy with depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥ 7) from seven public antenatal care clinics in Sakonnakhon, a north-eastern province of Thailand, and their partners were interviewed. In total, 54 semi-structured interviews were subjected to content analysis.

Results

Four categories emerged: (1) Having obstacles in life, (2) Facing life transition, (3) Enhancing confidence, and (4) Dissatisfaction with support. The informants described obstacles regarding economy, fear of health problems, getting an abnormal child and partners’ behaviours. They received support from family members and social networks, but some were dissatisfied with the support from the healthcare. For example, expectant fathers wished to receive more health information and be more involved.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the influence of cultural and contextual factors when providing antenatal care to expectant parents. Male involvement in the care must not be neglected.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Life situation and support during pregnancy among Thai expectant mothers with depressive symptoms and their partners: a qualitative study
Authors
Nitikorn Phoosuwan
Pornpun Manasatchakun
Leif Eriksson
Pranee C. Lundberg
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-02914-y

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