O que leva uma mulher a prosseguir uma gravidez inesperada após ponderar a sua interrupção?

experiência e perspetivas de um grupo de mulheres portuguesas

Abstract

Despite the investment in reproductive healthcare, namely in terms of family planning and contraception measures in our country, unexpected pregnancy still occurs, presupposing, in several cases, a decision made between continuing or interrupting an unplanned pregnancy. Studies show that for many women the decision-making process is complex, being influenced and/or conditioned by several factors. This exploratory study aims to explore (retrospectively) the experiences and meanings of decision-making by a group of women who considered the Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy and continued their pregnancy, intending to recognize their experiences and expectations during the decision-making process. Participants were 5 women selected through a non-probabilistic convenience sampling process. Taking into account the qualitative methodology, interviews were carried out from a script prepared for this purpose, later resorting to a semi-inductive data approach using the NVivo software. The main results indicate the inadequate use of contraceptive methods during the period of the occurrence of the unexpected pregnancy, and the non-attendance of family planning consultations, even if made available by the public health system. They also demonstrated the complex psychological experience associated with receiving news of the unplanned pregnancy and the weighing process of its interruption, influenced by multiple factors, including the support of the partner and other significant figures. The results show the need to foster resources aimed at the psychological support of these women, during the period of pondering when faced with an unexpected pregnancy.

Date of Award	13 Jul 2021
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Maria Xavier (Supervisor)