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. 2023 Nov 9;28(6):735-739.
doi: 10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_413_20. eCollection 2023 Nov-Dec.

Javanese Women's Experiences during the First Pregnancy

Mergy Gayatri  1   2 , Yulia Silvani  1 , Roland A Pirade  2   3 , Oluwadamilare Akingbade  4   5 , Indhar W W Harjo  6 , Nuraini R Hastuti  1
Affiliations

Javanese Women's Experiences during the First Pregnancy

Mergy Gayatri et al. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. .

Abstract

Background: Women experience physical, hormonal, and psychological changes during pregnancy. Similarly, some traditions are prevalent among Javanese women, which could affect their pregnancy. The experiences of first-time pregnant women in this area remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of women during their first pregnancy.

Materials and methods: The qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was conducted in Kesambon village in Malang Regency, Indonesia. Eight women in their third trimester were selected purposively. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews and subsequently open-coded using the NVivo-12 software manufactured by the QS International.

Results: The participants were married primigravida women aged 17 to 22 years. Four themes emerged as follows: pregnancy is a positive experience, pregnant women are not independent, belief in pregnancy-related myths and traditions, and pregnancy-related information seeking.

Conclusions: During the first pregnancy, pregnant women believed and practiced Javanese traditions regarding pregnancy. Although they were happy, they were still dependent and lacked the motivation to seek pregnancy-related information. Hence, midwives should provide them with adequate pregnancy-related information while addressing harmful myths and misconceptions. This should culminate in a successful pregnancy.

Keywords: Experience; maternity; pregnancy; qualitative research.

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Conflict of interest statement

Nothing to declare.

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