Preterm Birth: Perspectives on Resource Access and Pregnancy Experience

Abstract

Pregnancy is affected by multiple factors both within and outside of a woman’s control. For those who experience a preterm pregnancy, considerations about their experiences can be revelatory and meaningful in understanding concepts such as information sharing, support systems, and care models. This research uses qualitative description to further enhance our knowledge about women’s preterm birth experiences within the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant (HNHB) Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). Participant interviews (n=13), key informant interviews (n=2), and participant observations were conducted. Findings exposed 6 themes: 1) prenatal preparedness; 2) working while pregnant; 3) delivery expectations; 4) place and space; 5) supports and resource attainment; and 6) attitudes and knowledge. Collectively, the themes point to the need for improvements in service delivery and knowledge acquisition, and also suggest a new paradigm of employment involvement in pregnancy as well as reaffirmed or rebranded client-provider expectations during pregnancy.