Well-being during pregnancy and the transition to motherhood: an explorative study through the lens of healthcare professionals

Abstract

Abstract Background The perinatal period can be an overwhelming time involving significant physiological and psychosocial changes. The perinatal period has shown to be a time of increased vulnerability for onset or relapse of mental illness. Mental well-being such as resilience have positive effects on women’s physical and mental health during pregnancy as well as on pregnancy related outcomes. However, more knowledge is needed on what entails mental well-being during pregnancy and how it can be promoted. This qualitative study explores mental well-being during the perinatal period and promoting factors through the lens of healthcare professionals. Methods Individual interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals (n=16) through the chain of care. The informants worked in maternity healthcare centers, maternity wards and primary child healthcare centers and included midwives, obstetricians, psychologists and child healthcare nurses. A semi-structured interview guide and open-ended questions were used, and inductive content analysis was performed. Results Results described mental well-being during the perinatal period as “the being and the becoming of a mother – equanimity in the transition to motherhood”. According to data, mental well-being during pregnancy relies on inner resources that promote trust in the process of pregnancy, capability of being one’s own best friend and gatekeeping one’s mind. Additionally, experiencing trust during pregnancy including being in a safe environment, being able to share the transition, as well as experiencing fairness and equity were described as factors promoting mental wellbeing. Similarly, belonging to a caring and supportive wider network was also described as promoting mental well-being in terms of having access to role models through peer support groups and having emotional and practical support. Conclusion Mental well-being during the transition to motherhood can be promoted by supporting and building resources for equanimity. Findings emphasize the need to target mental health promoting factors on multiple levels including strengthening the inner resources of the individual, but also building social support structures around the individual.