An investigation of the subjective experiences of expectant couples with prior perinatal loss:A qualitative study

The main purpose of this study was to deeply examine the grief in breaved couples following a perinatal loss in the first pregnany and their experiences during the subsequent pregnancy. For this purpose a qualitative study based on grounded theory method was conducted. Six expectant couples with a history of perinal loss were interviewed in order to explore about their experiences related to perinatal loss and current pregnancy. A semi-structured interview form consisting of 24 questions prepared by the researcher was used and the spouses were interviewed together. The transcribed data analyzed and five main themes, subthemes and a core category were identified. The main themes were appeared as First fime pregnancy: Towards a transition to parenthood", "Traumatic incident of loss: Interrupted Transition", "The period of coping with loss", "Recommense", "Resolving grief and awaiting baby" and "Cultural context characterised by permeable boundaries: Intrusiveness and support"; and the core category was identified as "Transition-Interruption-Equilibrium- Retransition ". The findings of the study were discussed within the framework of grief literature. In addition, implications for perinatal grief counseling and directions for future studies were presented.