Motherhood: A Process Involving Different Nuances and the Construction of Ties

Abstract

Objective: Understand what motherhood means to pregnant women as a basis for guiding maternal-infant health promotion. Materials and methods: This is a qualitative study founded theoretically in symbolic interactionism and the grounded theory method. Following prior informed consent, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 pregnant women over 14 years of age in different socioeconomic brackets. All were residents of Bucaramanga (Colombia). Their interactions with other pregnant women and with health workers also were observed at the institutions where they receive prenatal care. The information was analyzed in parallel to its collection, through open codification and categorization based on the constant comparative method and theoretical sampling, until saturation of the categories was achieved. The results were validated in focus groups with pregnant women. Results: Categories emerged that show motherhood as an affirmative experience and a process marked by concern, responsibility and adaptation / accommodation. Motherhood as a transformative development with positive experiences and the building of ties emerged as the central category. Discussion: Motherhood has different meanings and nuances for pregnant women, based largely on their socio-cultural components. These aspects must be considered in efforts to guide the promotion of maternal-infant health and maternal care. Conclusions: Motherhood is a complex process and one of personal transformation that helps the pregnant woman to form a bond with her child, with her partner and with the family members who support her. During this process, she experiences feelings of joy and satisfaction, along with concern and anxiety about the challenges motherhood poses. Understanding this process will help to orient the work of health professionals towards prenatal care that is consistent with the expectations of the pregnant woman.