The childbearing experience of women with spinal cord injury in Iran: a phenomenological study

Study design This was a qualitative study conducted using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Objectives This study investigated the experience of pregnancy and childbirth in women with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Methods The data were collected using telecommunication and face-to-face semi-structured interviews with eight women with SCI. The study employed the interpretative phenomenological approach suggested by Van Manen in 2016 and thematic analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the childbearing experience of women with SCI. MAXQDA 10 software was used to manage the collected data. Results Five main themes have emerged from data analysis: “revivification”, “fear and concern of motherhood with SCI”, “flawed health care system”, “maternal experience under a supportive umbrella”, and “strengthening spirituality and religious belief”. Conclusion Childbearing had a positive effect on the family relationship, continuity of marriage, and quality of life following SCI. There are potential benefits in establishing a center that provides consultation on childbearing and childcare for women with SCI. Moreover, training for the medical team, which includes nurses, midwives, and specialists is highly recommended. Further research is needed to expand our understanding of childbearing from the perspectives of healthcare providers.