Pregnant Women’s Experiences of the Conditions Affecting Marital WellBeing in HighRisk Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study

Background: Highrisk pregnancy is associated with many problems which can affect marital wellbeingas well as maternal and fetal health. Yet, there is limited information about the conditions whichaffect marital wellbeing in highrisk pregnancy. This study aimed to explore the pregnant women’sexperiences of the conditions affecting marital wellbeing in highrisk pregnancyMethods: This qualitative study was conducted from October 2018 to December 2019. Participantswere 24 women with highrisk pregnancy who were purposively selected from three public and twoprivate hospitals as well as a primary healthcare center in Mashhad, Iran. Facetoface semistructuredinterviews were conducted for data collection. Data were analyzed concurrently with data collectionthrough Graneheim and Lundman’s content analysis (2004). The MAXQDA program (v. 10) was usedfor data management.Results: Conditions affecting marital wellbeing in highrisk pregnancy were categorized into elevensubcategories and three main categories, namely emotional spousal intimacy in the midst of danger,husband’s commitment to manage the difficult conditions of pregnancy and sexual relationship duringhighrisk pregnancy.Conclusion: Several conditions can affect marital wellbeing in highrisk pregnancy. Healthcareproviders can develop and use strategies for the effective management of these conditions, therebyimproving marital wellbeing among women with highrisk pregnancy.