Perceptions and Experiences of Spiritual Well-Being among Women with High-risk Pregnancy

Background aim: Spirituality is among prominent strategies to minimize negative emotions in different circumstances. Clarifying the concept of spiritual well-being in high-risk pregnancies enables healthcare providers to address and support their patients spiritual needs. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of spiritual well-being among women with high-risk pregnancy. Methods: This qualitative content analysis was conducted from December 2017 to March 2019 in public and private hospitals and health centers in Mashhad, Iran. The participants included 26 women with high-risk pregnancy, who selected using a purposive sampling. Data was collected through semi-structured and face-to-face individual interviews using the interview guide. The data analysis was carried out concurrently with the data collection, using the conventional content analysis based on the Graneheim and Lundman s method. Results: Following data analysis, Spiritual well-being in high-risk pregnancies” was characterized by two main categories including “Meaning-seeking and belief in purposeful pregnancy” and Relying on spirituality in achieving health. Conclusion: Searching for meaning and purposefulness in pregnancy and relying on spirituality to achieve health are among the components of spiritual well-being in high-risk pregnancy; hence, understanding women’s spiritual well-being could help tailoring strategies to reduce their tensions and discomforts caused by high-risk pregnancy. Thus, it is highly recommended that women with high-risk pregnancy receive spiritual care as part of their comprehensive care.