Qualitative study on psychological preparation of pregnant women to undergo odinopoeia due to fetal malformation

Objective To explore the psychological struggle process and psychological preparation of pregnant women choosing to have odinopoeia due to fetal malformations. Methods With qualitative research method, in-depth interviews were conducted among 21 pregnant women choosing to have odinopoeia due to fetal malformations. Results Four themes were extracted: reaction when informed about fetal abnormalities, psychological barriers when choosing odinopoeia, knowledge and sources of labor induction, and worries of the future life. Conclusions Medical workers should pay attention to the psychological preparation state of pregnant women choosing to have odinopoeia due to fetal malformations, analyze objectively severity degree of the fetal malformations, fully respect the choice of pregnant women, alleviate contradiction and guilt of pregnant women with fetal malformations, provide continuing professional support, reduce anxiety before labor induction, and enhance their confidence of being pregnant again after labor induction. Key words: Labor, induced; Mental processes; Fetal malformations; Qualitative research