Pregnancy loss in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: Grounded Theory

TL;DR

This study explores how women with lupus experience and make sense of pregnancy loss, using a qualitative approach to understand their emotional and social journey.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel grounded theory framework for understanding pregnancy loss in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Findings

Pregnancy loss is likened to falling during a climb toward motherhood.

Healthcare fragility and lack of emotional support amplify the complexity of the experience.

Women navigate repeated attempts to conceive as part of their journey.

Abstract

to learn the meanings attributed to pregnancy loss by women with Lupus.

qualitative research, based on Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory. Data collection took place between January and August 2022 through in-depth interviews. Data analysis went through the stages of initial and focused coding.

seventeen women participated. The central phenomenon “The climb to motherhood: falls and overcoming” was constructed, consisting of three categories: “Falling to the ground during the climb: the experience of pregnancy loss”; “Getting up and following the path: new attempts to conceive”; and “Remembering the journey: meanings attributed to pregnancy losses”.

experiencing pregnancy is, analogously, like climbing a mountain, where obstacles need to be overcome to reach the summit. The experience of pregnancy loss is seen as complex, especially when there is fragility in healthcare and a lack of awareness regarding feelings of loss and grief.

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