Women's Experience of Self Transition during Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study in Taiwan

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe and interpret the meaning of self through the voices of pregnant women in Taiwan. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth, open-ended interviews. Eighteen pregnant women receiving prenatal examinations at clinics at a medical center in Taipei, Taiwan participated in this study. Interviews were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Results: Analysis of the interviews indicates two major themes addressing self transition that are central to women's experience of pregnancy. One theme was "social value and self" reflects the interaction between "I" and "me" of pregnant women that develop their "new self" during pregnancy. The other theme, "body and self" reflects that pregnant women embody the change of body, and transition from "past self" to "present self" during this life period. Conclusions: Awareness of the psycho-social-cultural influences on the self-identity of pregnant women may help health professionals are more open to hearing and respecting what pregnant women to say, and provide a care model of "client-oriented".