Families' Experiences of Maternal Death due to Pregnancy and Childbirth Complications: A Phenomenological Study

Introduction: The majority of mother deaths due to pregnancy and childbirth complications are unexpected. This occurrence will have several effects on family and create difficulties in their lives. The aim of this study was to describe and explain families’ experiences of maternal death due to pregnancy-related complications. Method: In this descriptive qualitative phenomenological research, the sample consisted of a total of ۱۶ people, ۱۰ members of families with at least one living child, experienced mother&#۳۹;s death more than six months before, ۳ supervisors of orphaned infants, and ۳ midwives, selected via purposive sampling method. Data collection was performed using semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. The mean duration of interviews was ۴۵ minutes and an electronically tape recorder was used to record the interviews. Analysis of collected data was conducted using Colaizzi method via MAX-QD۱۰ software. Results: ۳ major themes and ۱۱ subthemes were extracted. The main themes were "spiritual and behavioral area", "lifestyle and fate changes", and "areas of social life". The integration of these themes resulted in an unequivocal statement that maternal mortality due to pregnancy and delivery complications was a tragedy which caused vulnerability of families, especially the children. Conclusion: Families&#۳۹; experiences of mothers’ death due to pregnancy-related complications were different from other mothers&#۳۹; deaths regarding two aspects. First, maternal deaths could not been anticipated and were not expected. This lack of preparation exacerbated the vulnerability of the family. Second, the infant who strongly needed to be under mother’s care, remained uncertain. So, primary cares should be taken to prevent maternal mortality. In addition, governmental and non-governmental organizations should coordinate policies and specific cares to support the families and prevent early and late adverse effects.

Keywords:

Maternal mortality , Family , Phenomenology , Pregnancy , Childbirth