The experiences and challenges of pregnant women coping with thrombophilia

To explore the unique experiences, challenges, and coping strategies of pregnant women diagnosed with thrombophilia and who are on daily heparin injections.

A qualitative, descriptive approach with semistructured interviews was used.

Nine women from the thrombosis clinic of a large university-affiliated hospital in Montreal, Canada, participated in the study.

Thematic analysis was used throughout the processes of interviewing, transcribing, and reviewing the data.

Findings indicate that past pregnancy experiences influenced the meaning of diagnosis and treatment as well as the participants' experience of uncertainty. Participants expressed a need for increased professional support in health care decision making as well as increased information around injection technique. In facing these challenges, participants coped by taking control and maintaining perspective.

Coping with thrombophilia in pregnancy can be a stressful experience. However, the ensuing challenges are perceived as manageable discomforts in light of the outcome of a healthy baby.