Lived experience of women with spinal cord injury regarding pregnancy and child rearing

Abstract

Background: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) does not affect the natural process of pregnancy and deliver a baby. However, the number of pregnant women or mother with SCI is still low. Although, women with SCI identifies pregnancy as a great achievement, there are lack of evidence in this topic worldwide. Therefore, this research aimed to explore the lived experience of women with SCI regarding pregnancy and child rearing in Bangladesh. Methods: This study followed the phenomenological approach of qualitative research design. Five women with SCI who took the rehabilitation service from the CRP, became a mother after their rehabilitation and currently living in the community of Bangladesh were included in this study. Self-developed interview guide was used to take interview from the participant by using Zoom app, an online platform known as. Data were analysed by following Braun and Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis. Results: All women in this study were paraplegic. The participants had not any history of an abortion or miscarriage. Their journey during this time were much challenging considering the disability. Eight main themes have emerged from data analysis included: “reaction to pregnancy news”, “physical condition”, “pregnancy concerns”, “health care service”, “delivery related experience”, “child rearing experience”, “support system” and “increased resiliency”. Conclusion: This thesis explored the lived experience of women with SCI regarding pregnancy and child rearing which emphasised that women with SCI regarded their pregnancy as a treasure. Support from partner and family played a key role to facilitate their journey. However, there was a lack or no health care service available specialising on SCI reproductive health. AbstractAbstractAbstractAbstract AbstractAbstractAbstract Kye words: Women, Spinal cord injury, Pregnancy, Child rearing