Midwives’ Experiences With Prenatal Loss

A Phenomenological Study

Bibliographic Data

ID24235482
AuthorsSenahan Coban (0009-0003-2246-341X, Ondokuz Mayıs University), Serap Öztürk Altınayak (0000-0002-3882-0966, Ondokuz Mayıs University)
Year2026
Pages302228261499818-302228261499818
Publication date2026-10-18
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueOMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0030-2228 • E-ISSN: 1541-3764
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00302228261499818
PMID42893410
OpenAlexW7222900137
LanguageEN
References cited33

This study was conducted to examine midwives’ experiences related to prenatal loss. The study employed an interpretive phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research designs. Criterion sampling was used. The inclusion criteria were defined as being a midwife who has provided care to pregnant women experiencing prenatal loss and having at least five years of professional clinical experience. A total of 20 midwives were interviewed. Seven core themes were identified. The study revealed that as midwives gained more experience with such challenging situations, their coping strategies evolved; they developed broader perspectives and demonstrated more conscious, professional, composed, and empathetic approaches. While the majority of participants were deeply affected by these events, some stated that their emotional state remained unchanged. Midwives can be supported with additional education and resources, particularly during the early years of their professional careers, to help them cope with these processes.

coping strategies · midwifery education · midwives · Miscarriage · professional empathy · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions · Palliative and Oncologic Care

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