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Defining dimensions of pregnancy intendedness.
J B Stanford1, R Hobbs, P Jameson
1Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84132, USA. jstanford@dfpm.utah.edu
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|November 30, 2000
Summary
Women
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Sociology of Health
- Qualitative Research Methods
Background:
- The National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) uses a pregnancy intention classification system.
- The clinical relevance of the NSFG classification scheme is not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore women's conceptualizations of pregnancy intention status.
- To examine the relationship between women's concepts and the NSFG classification.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing in-depth, semistructured interviews.
- 27 pregnant women were interviewed, selected by ethnicity, education, religiosity, and NSFG intention status.
Main Results:
- Five dimensions of pregnancy intendedness emerged: preconception desire, preparation, fertility behavior, postconception desire, and adaptation.
- The relationship between these dimensions and NSFG categories was complex, especially for 'mistimed' pregnancies.
- Partners significantly influenced women's desire for pregnancy before and after conception.
Conclusions:
- Developing pregnancy intention measures that align with women's needs is crucial.
- Future research should incorporate male perspectives and influence on pregnancy intention.