Journey Mapping Reveals Emotional Toll of Terminating Pregnancies

New Study Unveils the Complex Psychological Landscape of Women Facing Fetal Abnormalities

A new study explores the profound emotional journeys of women who choose to end pregnancies due to fetal abnormalities. The research, using social media diaries, offers a unique visual representation of the experiences, revealing the intense grief, varied coping mechanisms, and significant transformations women undergo throughout the process.

Diagnostic Phase: Confirming the Unthinkable

During the diagnostic stage, lasting from two to seven days, women navigate repeated examinations. They must confirm the diagnosis and decide whether to proceed with the termination. The primary tasks are confirming the diagnosis and deciding to proceed. Women often experience anticipatory loss, grief, and a profound sense of sorrow.

In-Patient Abortion Phase: Confronting Loss

Hospitalization for induced abortion spans three to eight days, involving preparation, the procedure, and observation. Interactions primarily occur in the hospital. During this time, women experience different forms of grief including experiential grief, ritualistic mourning, and comparative grief. Emotional responses such as anger, helplessness, and fear are common.

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Coping Strategies Emerge

Women utilized diverse coping mechanisms, including emotional regulation, cognitive adjustment, and seeking social support. They sought emotional support by sharing their experiences with other patients and using online resources. The women experienced acceptance. Post-traumatic growth was marked by psychological maturity.

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According to the CDC, approximately 1% of all U.S. pregnancies are affected by a neural tube defect (CDC 2024).

Postpartum: Navigating Grief and Recovery

In the puerperium phase, lasting approximately 42 days, women focus on regaining health and adjusting to normal life. The primary tasks of this stage are regaining health and gradually returning to normal life. During this time, women experience externally triggered grief, as well as intrinsic reflective grief. Emotionally, the women experienced a lot of responses.

Post-Puerperium: Finding a New Normal

After the postpartum period, women return to daily life. Emotional distress can arise. Women can feel unfairly treated, which can lead to anger. Cognitive adjustments include emotional mourning, sustaining hope, and anticipating a subsequent conception. They also avoid behaviors, such as certain social media content.

This journey mapping provides valuable insight for healthcare professionals. Further research could examine how different termination methods impact psychological adaptation. This study shows the need for tailored support to help women navigate this difficult process.