<b>Living with a high risk pregnant woman: a relative’s perception</b> - doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v11i3.15369

Abstract

Pregnancy is closely related to life and health. Given this reality, the diagnosis of risk can lead to dimensional changes to the pregnant woman and for the whole family group. This study aimed to understand the perception of companions on the high-risk pregnancy and the impact it has on the family. Thirteen families and / or companions of pregnant women who had prenatal care at a university hospital in a city of Paraná state were interviewed during May-June 2010. To analyze the speech of the interviewees the technique of content analysis was applied. The results revealed that the pregnancy and its complications brought changes into the family structure and dynamics. The reported experiences allowed the identification of three categories: 1) Family recognizing the need for special care due to pregnancy risk; 2) Pregnancy risk changing the family dynamics; and 3) Realizing the importance of the companion’s role during prenatal check-ups. There was a significant involvement of the family during pregnancy, both emotional and behavioral, as manifested through the reports of worries and anxieties, of material and emotional support provided to pregnant women, and their participation in various activities related to pregnancy.