The experience of being a partner to a childbearing woman whose pregnancy is complicated by pre-eclampsia: A Swedish qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Pre-eclampsia affects 3-5% of all pregnant women and is among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality as well as iatrogenic preterm birth worldwide. Little is known about the experience of partners of women whose pregnancy is complicated by pre-eclampsia.

Aim: To describe partners' experience of having a spouse whose pregnancy was complicated by pre-eclampsia.

Methods: A qualitative study with in-depth interviews. Eight partners of women whose pregnancy was complicated by pre-eclampsia were interviewed and data were analysed using content analysis.

Findings: Partners found themselves in an unfamiliar and unexpected situation. They experienced an information gap in which they tried to make sense of the situation by interpreting subtle signs. The situation left them feeling emotionally stretched, feeling like an outsider while trying to provide support for their extended family. The partners experienced a split focus after the baby was born, prioritising the baby while worrying about their spouse. Post-partum, they expressed needing time to process and heal after childbirth. A need for professional support was highlighted and concerns about a future pregnancy were voiced.

Conclusion: Having a spouse who is diagnosed with pre-eclampsia is challenging and overwhelming. Our findings imply a need to develop a model of care for women with pre-eclampsia that includes their partner, i.e., the other parent.

Keywords: Father; High-Risk Pregnancy; Mental health; Partner; Pre-eclampsia; Preterm birth.