Discursive analysis of women's experience during pregnancy

Abstract

Aim: To analyse women’s experiences during pregnancy.

Materials and Method: Study with qualitative methodology. The qualitative data were gathered from semistructured interviews. A sociologic discourse analysis has been performed.

Results: Pregnant women experience different fears, feelings and perceptions. Changes, both physical and mental, in the pregnant body, are experienced as one of the most surprising aspects. Weight gain is not experienced in a negative way in the context of pregnancy. Social perception about the pregnant body let women have some social privileges that they never had before. Some women do not endure this new social intercourse, while other women see it as a compliment. Feelings are ambivalent: the negative ones are related to tiredness, lack of freedom and professional resignations.

Conclusions: Changes during pregnancy involve public and private sphere. Preferential treatment of pregnant women is a reflection of motherhood as one of the most prized social values. Women have felt more understood in antenatal courses: sharing experiences with people who is living the same process is gratifying. Midwives have a very important role enhancing upgrading the meetings between pregnant women. Women claim greater respect of their individuality, and too understanding and time to adapt to new roles. We need not to stereotype motherhood, provide plural mother models and believe in the individuality of each woman.