Pregnancy, delivery and post-partum experiences: similarities and differences in portuguese mothers: from a TransCultural Study of Postnatal Depression (TCS-PND)
We aim to address the main similarities and differences in
pregnancy, delivery and postnatal experiences of Portuguese
mothers. In order to accomplish this purpose, 8 focus groups were
composed, each one with 4 to 6 participants. The sample, with a
total of 35 subjects, is quite heterogeneous regarding several social
and demographic characteristics. However, the majority of the
mothers had their first (45.7%) or the second child (45.7%), about
six months prior to the study.
The focus groups were held in Medical Centres and the
mothers were invited to participate by the nurses responsible for
the vaccination in those centres. Most mothers agreed to participate.
Those sessions occurred in the presence of two researchers
and were audio-taped. Some questions were presented for
discussion in the group, in order to focus the participants in their
pregnancy and postnatal experiences. Mothers contributions were
then transcribed and categorised using the IN-VIVO program.
The categorisation of themes resulting from mothers participation,
as well as some examples of their contributions, which had been
categorised in each one of the themes, are presented.
Similarities and differences found in pregnancy, delivery and
postnatal experiences in this Portuguese sample, along with the
advantages of using a qualitative methodology when conducting
a study with this kind of purpose, are discussed. In relation to
observations in others countries, results show the great
importance of the quality of the relationship and support from
extended family and husband to the happiness of Portuguese
women during pregnancy and postpartum; nevertheless the
mothers complain of the intrusiveness of the family after delivery.
Also, as far as postnatal depression is concerned, and regarding to
the causes, almost all the mothers conveyed that overwork and
lack of support from husband and from mother might lead to
depression after delivery