Experiences of women who had an ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to understand the experiences of women who had an ectopic pregnancy. Method: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. We collected data through virtual interviews between April and July 2020 with nine women with a history of ectopic pregnancy, who were treated at a teaching maternity hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The narratives were organized and subjected to thematic content analysis. The study adhered to ethical guidelines established by the Brazilian National Health Council resolutions. Results: Three categories emerged from the participants’ accounts: Discovering the ectopic pregnancy, Knowledge about ectopic pregnancy, and Emotional responses to the ectopic pregnancy. The presence of symptoms such as pain and bleeding marked the discovery of this condition. For all participants, ectopic pregnancy was an unknown phenomenon until they experienced it themselves. The emotional responses included feelings of sadness, fear, and frustration. Conclusions: Ectopic pregnancy remains an unfamiliar topic until women personally experience it. Discussing this condition and raising awareness about its occurrence are essential strategies for promoting knowledge and enabling early identification of complications, thereby facilitating timely care and management.