A convergent parallel mixed method study on the experience of coping during high-risk pregnancy and prescribed bed rest

Antepartum bed rest and hospitalization are frequently prescribed for high-risk women experiencing pregnancy complications. Bed rest may result in problems for the high-risk mother including isolation, boredom, anxiety, depression and separation from their families. The aim of this study is to analyze the coping behaviors of high-risk pregnant women hospitalized and prescribed bed rest. Also, to describe the lived experience of high-risk pregnant women hospitalized and prescribed bed rest. A convergent parallel mixed method design was used to analyze the coping behaviors of 40 high-risk pregnant women. A secondary analysis of data from the Brief Cope Scale (Carver, 1997) was used for the quantitative portion. Transcripts from the same 40 high-risk mothers were reviewed as a secondary analysis using a Step-by-Step Simple Thematic Analysis (Nowell Norris, White & Moules, 2017). The most frequently identified maternal coping behaviors were emotional support, positive reframing, religion, acceptance, instrumental support and planning. The less frequently used coping behaviors were self-distraction, humor, substance use, self-blame, denial and behavioral disengagement. The overreaching theme from the qualitative analysis was Coping in High-Risk Pregnancy. Seven themes were identified from the transcripts: Family Burdens, Fearfully Waiting, Leaning on Faith, Hope, Acceptance, Knowledge Seeking and Support Enhances Maternal Coping. Quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated to identify those behaviors that were convergent or divergent in this mixed method design. By identifying adaptive coping behaviors of high-risk hospitalized mothers antepartum care may be improved.