Lived Experiences of Taiwanese Women With Multifetal Pregnancies Who Receive Fetal Reduction

This study explores lived experiences of Taiwanese women with multifetal pregnancies who receive fetal reduction. This qualitative study adopted a field method with observer-as-participant approach to collect data. Six subjects were recruited from a medical center using purposive sampling. Most of the subjects were contacted nine times. The total time of observation was 8-10 weeks. The collected data was analyzed by content analysis, and forming themes. The findings are as follows: (1) difficulty in accepting unexpected multiple pregnancies; (2) worry over danger/risk of multiple pregnancies and concern about fetal reduction; (3) decision to take fetal reduction for the safe delivery and health of two babies; (4) anxiety about the techniques of fetal reduction; (5) growing emotion of attachment to the fetus and guilty feeling; (6) unbearable physical/mental stress when facing the intrusion of fetal reduction; (7) being enmeshed in fear of unstable pregnancy and guilt; and (8) cloud of uncertainty diminished, return to normal pregnancy. The results indicated that the women with multifetal pregnancies, who received fetal reduction, encountered a difficult decision. They were exposed to tremendous emotional responses. The findings of this study can help nurses to gain a deeper understanding of those women's experiences. More sensitive, precise recognition, as well as suitable nursing intervention can be provided, in order to promote better acceptance of and adjustment to the fetal reduction.