pregnancy is a stressful condition during which women require family and in-laws´ support. This study was aimed to explore the women´s perceptions regarding their husband and in-law´s support during pregnancy.
Methods
by using qualitative exploratory design ten pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy and living in joint family system were recruited through purposive sampling technique from a village of district Nowshehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Approval for conducting this study was obtained from Ethics Review Committee of Khyber Medical University. Data were collected from the recruited participants through face to face in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. One hundred open codes were generated from the data. Through axial coding, extra and unnecessary codes were omitted and then eleven categories were identified from open codes.
Results
the identified categories were kept under three salient themes of lack of comprehensive support mechanism, physical and mental strain, and barriers to antenatal services. Perceived support of husbands and in-laws, needs and barriers to maternal and child health were discussed by the participants.
Conclusion
the study findings suggest that family relationship quality might not be improved by taking interventions i.e. making policies only but the incorporation of health professionals´ support with family member´s behavior can improve maternal health.Keywords: Support, husbands, pregnancy, pregnant women, perceptions, in-laws
Introduction
Pregnancy is not a disease but a psychologically challenging period where a woman passes through several social, physical and psychological challenges in life
During pregnancy, women need significant support from health care services, however, in patriarchal societies such as Pakistan, a lot of these decisions related to access to health services etc. are in the hands of husband and in-laws
Women have limited autonomy and power of expression due to deeply rooted societal norms may lead pregnant women to depression and affect their pregnancy and fetal weight Worldwide, 10% of pregnant women experience stress and depression due
to the autocratic style of their in-laws In addition, family values and beliefs, religion, level of education or awareness of the family members affect the psychological, physical and social wellbeing of pregnant women
