Women's lived experiences of pregnancy: A tapestry of joy and suffering

The phenomenological study of the lived experiences of pregnancy described in this article is part of a Finnish caring science research program. Eight y interviews with 40 women combined with nonparticipant observation were an alyzed according to Colaizzi. Pregnant women wishing for a perfect child wa nt to promote the health of their unborn baby, no longer take health for gr anted, and try to change their health behavior. Their altered mode of being involves body changes, variations in mood, and worries. The striving to ac hieve family communion is seen in the evolving significance of the baby; in dreams, hopes, and plans; and in changing relationships. In relation to Er iksson's ontological health model, the joy and suffering in pregnancy are b ased on being therefor another. Taking seriously the women's experiences an d the hidden questions that reveal suffering in both lay and professional c aring might prevent the serious postpartum misery of motherhood.