Late-term pregnancy: Navigating in unknown waters - A hermeneutic study.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Maternal Psychology
• Perinatal Care

Background:

• Late-term pregnancy (≥41 weeks) is associated with increased risks for both mother and infant.
• Women may experience significant anxiety and mental strain during prolonged pregnancies.
• Limited research exists on women's lived experiences of late-term pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and describe the experiences of women undergoing late-term pregnancy (≥41 gestational weeks).
• To understand the psychological and emotional impact of extended gestation on expectant mothers.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study employing a lifeworld hermeneutic approach.
• In-depth interviews conducted with ten women 2–7 months postpartum.

Main Results:

• Emergent themes included: doubting bodily capabilities for birth transition, the crucial role of partner support, a perceived lack of clear guidelines, anxiety about fetal well-being ('worrying about the cargo'), reflections on the birth experience, and considerations for future pregnancies.
• Women frequently expressed a lack of confidence in their body's innate ability to initiate and manage labor.

Conclusions:

• Midwives must provide clear, empowering guidance to help women trust their physiological capacity for birth.
• Enhancing maternal confidence during late-term pregnancy is crucial for positive experiences and future reproductive well-being.
• Improved support can mitigate anxiety and foster a sense of agency in women facing prolonged pregnancies.