<b>Hope of pregnant women seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus.</b> doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v11i4.21655

Abstract

Getting to know she is seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus during pregnancy brings suffering and affects the hope of a woman. The aim of this study was to describe the meaning of motherhood for the pregnant woman who discovers she is seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus during prenatal exam, and its repercussions in their hope. This qualitative study was based on narratives and used the theoretical framework of symbolic interactionism. Eight women were interviewed, and after analyzing the data, the results were organized into three thematic units: 'being a mother', 'treat yourself' and ‘surrender to divine intervention'. It was identified that their hope has straight relation to being a mother, when the protection of their child in order to be seronegative becomes their goal in life. Self-care is understood as the way to ensure success and, when they experience hopelessness they intensify interaction with the child and with God.