A Case of Perceived Lack of Prenatal Caring

This qualitative case study tells the story of one woman's experience of prenatal care through her own words and those of her mother, who is a nurse. Frequent sonograms, referral to a maternal-fetal medicine physician, and the unexpected recommendation to schedule an induction made this woman anxious about the well-being of her fetus, influenced her experience of pregnancy, and affected her developing identity as a mother. She felt neither cared for nor included as a partner in her own prenatal care. Although she reported feeling strong and capable in every other aspect of her life, she felt powerless to self-advocate with regard to her prenatal care experience. Ultimately, she asked her mother to accompany her to a prenatal appointment to advocate on her behalf.