Reclaiming motherhood through shame, distance, and gratitude-A phenomenological study of Swedish women's lived experiences of giving birth while ill with COVID-19.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Pregnant women were one of the most exposed and vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. While much is known about the general effects of the pandemic on pregnant women's well-being, little research has focused on the experiences of women who gave birth while infected with SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of women who gave birth while being ill with COVID-19.

Materials and methods

This is a qualitative study utilising a phenomenological reflective lifeworld approach to explore the lived experiences of Swedish women (n = 10) who gave birth while ill with COVID-19 between April 2020 and May 2021.

Results

The essence of the women's experiences was described as 'Reclaiming motherhood through

SUBMITTER: Revelj M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12510478 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature