EXPERIENCING SPIRITUALITY IN PREGNANCY: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Spirituality is a powerful force in the universe or beyond the material aspects of
life, and it creates a profound sense of unity or link to the universe. Pregnancy period is important
because health and a better life in the mother directly affect fetal life. Physical and mental health of
women significantly can affect the fetus, natural childbirth and breastfeeding. This study aimed to
explore the experiences of spirituality in pregnancy.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a qualitative research with phenomenological
approach. It was done in the health centers of the Karaj's city. 6 pregnant women were selected by
purposive sampling. After sampling, deep and semi-structured interviews using an interview guide were
designed to collect the authentication information. In analyzing the data, Heidegger's hermeneutics
approach known as hermeneutics cycle was used.
Results: The findings included a central theme by the name of spirituality in pregnancy, and 7 subthemes including: 1. Religiosity in pregnancy, 2. Spirituality in pregnancy, 3. Sensitization during
pregnancy, 4. Control behavior towards spirituality, 5. Pregnancy as a change, 6. Shadow spirituality on
embryos, and 7. The effect of spirituality on people.
Conclusion: Spirituality is an important factor in improving the health of the mother and fetus. So health
professionals should consider spiritual attitude during pregnancy caring. Using religious teachings is
important as one of the most essential factors in the spiritual health of pregnant women and the fetus