Embarking to Motherhood: A Phenomenological Study on the Women

Lived Experiences of First Pregnancy

A Qualitative Research
Submitted to
Prof. Khira B. Adalin, RN,MAN

A Requirement for
Qualitative Nursing Research
Misamis University

By:

Kim Rose C. Sabuclalao, RN

Masters in Nursing

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 Embarking to Motherhood: A Phenomenological Study on the Women Lived Experiences of
First Pregnancy

Kim Rose C. Sabuclalao

Misamis University
Abstract
Pregnancy is a major conversion in a woman’s life. It is an event that will forever change the
course of a woman’s being. The time of conception until the period of childbirth brings a lot of
changes in the woman physically, psychologically and socially. Data were analyzed using Max
Van Manen interpretative phenomenological strategies. Responses from the informants
indicate the importance of focusing on pregnant women’s experiences on their first pregnancy,
and direct to the importance of open communication with the family and healthcare
professionals as an effective medium to engage mothers in expressing and sharing mothering
experiences, in particular the psychological aspects of that experience. This study also showed
the pregnant women’s positive inclination towards their first pregnancy despite the challenges
that may arise throughout their childbearing experience. This is clearly demonstrated when
respondent’s described pregnancy as a sense of responsibility and declaring their will to keep a
healthy pregnancy. The family and the community’s involvement are crucial to pregnancy. In
the sense of shared responsibility, the pregnant women will feel less of a burden especially
those physical and emotional changes happen during pregnancy. Strong, communicative
relationships with healthcare professionals is the key to ensuring expectant parents feel
satisfied, well informed and supported in making decisions. Future research and study should
target these factors and their role to pregnancy in order to increase the sense of well-being of
pregnant women and thereby improving pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords: First Pregnancy, Primigravida, Motherhood, Transition

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Introduction
Pregnancy is a major conversion in a woman’s life. It is an event that will forever change
the course of a woman’s being. The time of conception until the period of childbirth brings a lot
of changes in the woman physically, psychologically and socially. The physiological,
psychological and social alterations occur gradually as the childless woman board to this life
event. The extensive and rapid physical transformation taking place significantly affects the
woman’s psychological adjustments indicating maternal transition. The physical and
psychological changes that the pregnant woman experiences also influence the woman’s
function in the family and society. The changes during pregnancy affect the woman’s self
image. The shift of focus from self to fetus’ needs prove that pregnancy is real and marks its
progress. Furthermore, expectant mothers’ perception toward pregnancy greatly depends on
psychological aspects such as the social and cultural background, individual’s views and family’s
influences (Pillitteri, 2007).
Childbearing as a transition to motherhood is significant especially for first time
mothers. This transition includes parental changes in thinking and behavior as well as with
those in the physical body (Imle, 1990). As the woman embarks to this unfamiliar territory of
pregnancy and motherhood, a sense of loss of control over self is felt and realized. Thus, gives
woman complex mix of emotions both good and bad. First time mothers face difficult periods in
every stage of maternal transition and may need support for unmet needs during these periods.
This process brings a direct change to first time expectant mothers’ essential life patterns
specifically in health, identity, relationships and/or environment. Guidance and mentoring from
the support systems such as the other pregnant mothers, significant others, healthcare
providers and peers are helpful to cope with their emotions and experiences throughout
pregnancy.
Challenges may arise with the physical and psychological alterations as the first time
pregnant woman welcomes motherhood in the current society. Such challenges include
whether the pregnancy has come at a good time in her life, decision on how she wanted her
pregnancy and childbirth, and expectations of childbearing and childrearing process.
Unaddressed challenges may result to negative pregnancy experiences that will lead to

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detrimental consequences ranging from maternal distress to postpartum depression or post-
traumatic stress disorder at the worse. The fetus and the partner can also experience these
critical consequences.
Most studies conducted regarding maternal health is centered to address the problems
and issues in childbirth, high risk pregnancy, and teenage pregnancy yet there is a lack of
documented literature on women’s experiences on their first pregnancy. Knowledge about the
women’s emotional and mental outlook of first pregnancy is also limited. As mentioned earlier
on this chapter, challenges may arise with the changes that the pregnancy brings, so, the first
time mothers’ experiences of pregnancy justifies added attention and discussion. When
women’s feelings and thoughts about pregnancy are taken into consideration, we might be able
to provide better and appropriate health care services to women at childbearing and birth.
The objective of this phenomenological research was to identify, describe and explore
the women first conception experiences. It examined the nature of contacts first time pregnant
make with healthcare professionals or support services. It also discussed how the first time
pregnant dealt and managed their changed situation and new roles in life. It also aimed to
determine the society’s perception and attitude towards pregnancy.
The research findings can be used to develop guidelines that support the health care
professionals in meeting the needs of first time pregnant women in Poblacion, Tubod, Lanao
del Norte where the research study was conducted. Prenatal education curriculum can be build
up and be implemented appropriately to first time mothers in order to present options and
tools throughout pregnancy. This helps reduce maternal anxiety and apprehension associated
with first time pregnancy and motherhood. Concepts and theories can also be drawn out of the
results of this study which can be helpful in providing more information about first pregnancy
and eventually will enable the mother to form accurate expectations of this period.

Background
This section presents related literature and studies after careful search by the
researcher. This chapter focuses on the (1) psychosocial aspects of pregnancy and the (2)
woman’s emotional states during pregnancy.

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 According to Stright (2004) in her book on Maternal-Newborn Nursing, the psychosocial
aspects of pregnancy involves a pregnant women becoming more dependent and may need
increased nurturing so they can nurture their developing offspring, pregnant women may need
varied social service programs to help meet their healthcare needs, family-centered care has
helped involve the family as well as the mother in childbirth, and cultural background may
determine activities that are acceptable or not acceptable during pregnancy. Stight also
identified on the same book the psychosocial stages of pregnancy (1) Anticipatory Stage when a
woman train for the role of expectant mother, (2) Honeymoon Stage when a woman fully
assume the pregnancy role and initially seek help from family members, (3) Plateau Stage when
the pregnancy role is fully exercised, and lastly (4) Disengagement or the termination stages
which precedes and includes the pregnancy role that is labor and birth of the newborn although
pregnancy may terminate in other ways. She also identified emotional reactions a woman or
the couple experiences on each period of pregnancy. She cited on the First trimester,
ambivalence, fear, fantasies, or anxiety may be demonstrated. On Second trimester, well-being,
increased need to learn about fetal growth and development, narcissism, passivity, or
introversion (may seem egocentric or self-centered). Lastly, on the Third trimester, pregnant
women may feel awkward, clumsy, unattractive, becomes more introverted or reflects on own
childhood. On this book, Stright comprehensively discussed the psychological and social
changes during pregnancy.
According to research conducted by the United Kingdom Department of Health (2009),
women tend to be more emotionally vulnerable because it is their first pregnancy, it is an
unexpected or unwanted pregnancy, they lack a support network (for example single mothers
and those without close family nearby), or they have been exposed to negative experiences (for
example friends and family recounting their birth horror stories’). On the same study,
pregnancy journey is described as an emotional rollercoaster. Women commonly describe
feeling more emotional than at any other time of their life.
According to Adolfsson, (2012) on a study conducted to mothers who have experienced
previous miscarriage, worry tended to dominate the women’s emotional state during the
period between the eight and eleventh weeks of their pregnancy. It was also discussed that the

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concerns are worrisome and energy consuming to the women’s emotional state but happiness
can and does prevail as the mothers are to be pregnant again. This study elaborates how a
pregnant woman’s emotion changes. It was also discussed on this study that pregnant women
struggled to manage their feelings. They needed concrete and straightforward answers from
the healthcare professionals regarding concerns on pregnancy. It was stressed in the same
study that it is very important for the women to feel that their feelings are respected and their
concerns are taken seriously. Often, pregnant women need professional support in addition to
the social network in order to resolve their concerns.
On a qualitative study conducted by Zahra Ahmadi on 2013, the researcher recognized
that positive birth experience is the key factor that controls the feeling, the natural progression
of labor and maternal and child labor is caused by positive experiences thus pregnant women’s
feel confident. A sense of control is a very important factor in creating positive birth
experience. Pregnant women must be able to participate in decision-making, cooperate in labor
and delivery, pain management, ability to control emotions and behaviors. Cultural and social
norms influence physiological and psychological experience such as pregnancy and childbirth.
Due to cultural, behavioral attitudes, values, and personal beliefs will determine the person’s
response to experiences like pregnancy and childbirth.
In an online-published study by Heather Gridley entitled Motherhood Matters (2015),
feedback from the program indicates the importance of focusing on mothers and their
experiences independently of their children, and points to the potential of art as powerful
medium to engage mothers in expressing and sharing mothering experiences, in particular the
psychological aspects of that experience. By providing a setting which enables experiences to
be shared openly and critically, the MUM (Mother Unmasked 2009) program demonstrates the
importance of social connection and mutual support during this important life stage.
Lastly, in an article published online by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board (1997-
2016) coping mechanism and techniques were enumerated. This included (1) slowing down a
priority, and get used to the idea of asking your friends and loved ones for help, (2) Cut back on
chores and using the time to relax, (3) doing deep-breathing exercises or stretching, (3) getting
regular exercise such as swimming or walking, (4) eating a healthy, well-balanced diet to have

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the physical and emotional energy needed, (5) getting enough sleep or rest, (6) limit
"information overload." Reading about pregnancy and listening to your friends' pregnancy
stories are fine and focusing on how you're feeling and what's happening to you now, (7) to join
(or create!) a support group, and (8) if under unusual stress or feel like at the breaking point,
seek help from a healthcare provider who can better assess how strong your anxiety has
become and what you may need to do to feel better.

Methodology
This section presents the following areas of concern: the research design, research
locale, respondents and sampling technique, research instrument and data analysis approach
which were all considered vital in the study.
Qualitative analysis is a way of developing rich explanation from an individual’s reported
experiences (Willig, 2001). Phenomenology was the qualitative research design chosen for
women’ experiences of first pregnancy to understand fully lived experiences and the
perceptions. In phenomenology, human’s existence is viewed meaningful and interesting
because of people’s consciousness of that existence, they are conscious through their bodies’
interaction with the world (Polit, Beck, 2006). Phenomenologist believes that critical truths
about reality are grounded in people’s lived experiences. They assume there is an essence- an
essential implication in the phenomena that can be understood.
The study was conducted at Rural Health Unit of Tubod, Poblacion, Tubod, Lanao del
Norte on the month of February, 2016. Rural Health Unit of Tubod has an outpatient
department services such as general medical consultation, family planning, prenatal and
postnatal care services and immunization. There is also a clinical pathology which includes
hematology, urinalysis, fecalysis/ stool examination, cholesterol, blood uric acid, triglycerides,
creatinine, FBS, blood donor screening, newborn screening and pregnancy test. There is also a
lying in clinic which caters women in uncomplicated pregnancy that will give birth via Normal
Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery.
The researcher conducted the study in the said facility because mainly the study is
focused in taking the women’s lived experiences on first pregnancy. Prior to data gathering
procedure, the researcher sought permission from the RHU-Tubod Municipal Health Officer

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Maria Filipina Cabrera Camins through a formal letter. This letter contains the objective of
formally conducting the phenomenological study on the lived experiences of primigravida
women.
Ten (10) mothers who were pregnant for the first time was purposively selected for the
research study. These primigravida clients who meet the criteria for inclusion in the study were
selected during the antenatal visit at RHU-Tubod. The respondents’ criteria for inclusion in the
study were that the women are first time pregnant, were at least 21 years of age regardless of
civil status, educational attainment and ethnicity. The sample criteria also required that the
woman is healthy based on her medical record, willing to articulate her experience, reflective,
and willing to talk at length with a researcher. The purpose of the study was explained and
informed consent was obtained.
A purposive sampling method was used to productively gain perspectives from
participants who had experienced the phenomenon investigated in the study. Purposive
sampling is a strategy in which researchers hand pick the cases or types of cases that will best
contribute to the information needs of the study (Polit, Beck, 2006).
The researcher sought to get 10 participants initially but data saturation is achieved at
8th informant since the information from each participant is of sufficient depth. The principle of
data saturation occurs when themes and categories in the data become repetitive and
redundant, such that no new information can be gleaned by further data collection (Polit, Beck,
2006).
Semi-structured questionnaire which include open-ended questions are used to allow
participants to respond to questions in their own words. The researcher wrote down responses
verbatim and used a voice recorder for later transcription. Open-ended questions are used
because they are very easy to administer, analyze and allows richer and fuller information
especially if respondents are verbally expressive and cooperative.
Primarily in-depth interviews, lasting 10-15 minutes were conducted to primigravida
women. Interviewing is especially well suited to phenomenological study to help informants to
describe the lived experience of first pregnancy. Interviews began with questions about their
initial feelings and perception toward pregnancy. The researcher summarized participants’

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speaking at the end of interview for data confirmation. Participants were encouraged to
provide new information. Participants were free to ask questions or leave the rest of interview
at any time. The investigation includes not only gathering information from informants but also
efforts to experience the phenomenon in the same way, typically through participation,
observation and introspective reflection.
The respondents were informed about the nature of the research study and interview as
part of a course requirement. The responses to this research will be anonymous, pseudo names
will be used on all research notes and documents. Identifying participant information and
interview recordings will be kept confidential and no one else except the researcher and the
researcher’s adviser will have access to the information and recordings. The recordings will be
deleted after the research study is done and approved.
Data were analyzed using Max Van Manen interpretative phenomenological strategies.
According to Van Manen, the selective and detailed or line-by-line approach was used to isolate
thematic statement. Van Manen has suggested the following inseparable steps for the
researchers which are used in the study:
1) Focusing on the phenomenon that deeply interests us and makes our minds
engaged: in this regard, the researcher’s mind was constantly engaged with this
question: what is the meaning of first pregnancy?

2) Exploring the phenomenon as something alive rather than what we

conceptualize: to make the researcher interact with the main experience,
women who actually had experience with this phenomenon were invited to our
researcher.

3) Reflecting on the themes that reveal inherent characteristics of the

phenomenon: researchers must constantly ask themselves what the nature of
experience with first pregnancy is. In answering this question, inherent themes
will be understood.

4) Describing the phenomenon with the art of writing and rewriting:

phenomenological analysis is primarily an exercise in writing and thereby the

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 researchers can achieve the meaning of experience through the practice. The
researcher should try to reflect experience in such a way that the reader feels
that he/she has experienced the phenomenon under study and is able to have
the same result about its meaning.

5) Establishing and maintaining a conscious connection with the phenomenon: the

researcher should be preoccupied with the lived experience of first time
pregnant of early pregnancy. Creating a strong connection between the text and
the phenomenon and using rich and in-depth descriptions of the findings reduce
the likelihood of deviation from the main path.

6) Balancing the research context by considering the parts and the whole: in the
last step, both the whole and contextual data are considered and the
relationship of each part in the formation of phenomenon is examined.

Results

THEME 1: Emotional Changes

This theme reveals that mood swings dominate a woman’s state in their first pregnancy.
Ambivalent feelings towards pregnancy whether expected or unplanned is evident on each of
the respondent’s reply when asked how they felt when they found out they’re pregnant.
Anxiety and fear were also evident among the pregnant women. Worry is mostly associated
with lack of knowledge on care that they need for a healthy pregnancy. The pregnant women
also demonstrated worry and fear on physical changes on their bodies as well their lifestyle
changes. This is where the help of a healthcare professional comes in. First time pregnant
women are so overwhelmed with advices about what to do and what to avoid during the
course of pregnancy. The pregnant women also demonstrated a sense of well-being, a need to
learn about fetal growth and development, and desire to a healthy pregnancy. Pregnancy is
indeed a cycle of highs and lows that a woman constantly deals with throughout pregnancy.
Thus, a family-centered care is essential to help pregnant women manage their emotional ups
and down during pregnancy.

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 A woman's emotional well-being plays an important role during pregnancy. Though
more attention is given to the physical changes women experience in their bodies during
pregnancy psychological change is of equal importance. According to research conducted by
the United Kingdom Department of Health (2009) the maternity journey is very different for the
first pregnancy. Women are making the life-changing transition into motherhood and because
they haven’t experienced pregnancy before, they can be anxious, lacking in confidence and
fearful. In addition, they may have little knowledge of what to expect in the future. They have a
much greater need for emotional support, reassurance and preparation. On the other hand,
they can be quickly overwhelmed and overloaded with information. In particular, they are often
focused on pregnancy, labour and birth and may feel unable to ‘deal with’ planning for
parenthood itself (UK DOH 2009). During the nine months, a woman's emotions can range from
the highs of feeling joy and excitement about having a baby to the lows of feeling worried and
terrified as the pregnancy and delivery comes close. In a study conducted by Adolfsson, et al
(2012), worry tended to dominate the women’s emotional state during the period between the
eighth and eleventh weeks of their pregnancy. Moreover, on the same study they cited that
other causes for concern and preoccupation were worries about diet restrictions and the effect
that any stress that they experienced might have on their fetus. To add up the emotional
changes, Stright (2004) on her book enumerated ambivalence, fear, fantasies, anxiety, well-
being, narcissism, passivity, and feeling of awkwardness, clumsy among others as the common
emotional reactions of a woman during pregnancy. On a contrary to the negative emotions that
women feel on their first pregnancy, positive feelings can also be observed such as feeling of
excitement and joy. In addition, based on a study by the UK DOH (2009), pregnancy journey is
described by many women as an emotional rollercoaster. Women commonly describe feeling
more emotional than at any other time of life – their feelings may include excitement, anxiety,
nervousness, happiness, fear, vulnerability, depression and moodiness.

THEME 2: COPING
This theme focuses on the woman’s adaptive mechanisms or the desire to adapt to
changes and stress cause by pregnancy. Coping to pregnancy would range from emotional,

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physical, or psychosocial changes that happen on the course of a pregnancy that a woman
experiences. This may include coping to negative feeling brought by pregnancy such as
ambivalence, fear, anxiety, worry, and body image issues among others. On this note, it is very
important that first time pregnant women have easy access to healthcare professionals and
facilities to guide them through the stages of pregnancy. It is also important to identify what
expectant and new parents need from the health service. Moreover, it is the key to identify
whether the woman’s needs are satisfactorily addressed at every stage of pregnancy.
Identifying gaps between the pregnant women and the healthcare facilities and what causes it
should be considered. Overall, it is critical that a pregnant woman feel in control of their
pregnancy, supported, and confident to undergo the experience of pregnancy.

Discussion
Emotional Changes: A woman's emotional well-being plays an important role during
pregnancy. Though more attention is given to the physical changes women experience in their
bodies during pregnancy psychological change is of equal importance. According to research
conducted by the United Kingdom Department of Health (2009) the maternity journey is very
different for the first pregnancy. Women are making the life-changing transition into
motherhood and because they haven’t experienced pregnancy before, they can be anxious,
lacking in confidence and fearful. In addition, they may have little knowledge of what to expect
in the future. They have a much greater need for emotional support, reassurance and
preparation. On the other hand, they can be quickly overwhelmed and overloaded with
information. In particular, they are often focused on pregnancy, labor and birth and may feel
unable to ‘deal with’ planning for parenthood itself (UK DOH 2009). During the nine months, a
woman's emotions can range from the highs of feeling joy and excitement about having a baby
to the lows of feeling worried and terrified as the pregnancy and delivery comes close. In a
study conducted by Adolfsson, et al (2012), worry tended to dominate the women’s emotional
state during the period between the eighth and eleventh weeks of their pregnancy. Moreover,
on the same study they cited that other causes for concern and preoccupation were worries
about diet restrictions and the effect that any stress that they experienced might have on their
fetus. To add up the emotional changes, Stright (2004) on her book enumerated ambivalence,

12
fear, fantasies, anxiety, well-being, narcissism, passivity, and feeling of awkwardness, clumsy
among others as the common emotional reactions of a woman during pregnancy. On a contrary
to the negative emotions that women feel on their first pregnancy, positive feelings can also be
observed such as feeling of excitement and joy. In addition, based on a study by the UK DOH
(2009), pregnancy journey is described by many women as an emotional rollercoaster. Women
commonly describe feeling more emotional than at any other time of life – their feelings may
include excitement, anxiety, nervousness, happiness, fear, vulnerability, depression and
moodiness.
Coping: A woman’s body will experience changes during pregnancy, which may cause
some discomforts. Some discomforts may occur in the early stage of pregnancy, while some
occurs in the later stages. An exciting aspect of pregnancy brought up by the women on this
study was the importance on being healthy. It included observing diet restrictions, being active,
managing stress, and keeping a happy positive disposition on the course of pregnancy. Coping
would not only mean adapting to the physical changes and discomforts associate with
pregnancy but also focuses on the psychological challenges a woman experiences during
pregnancy. Noting that the pregnancy is a rollercoaster of emotions, a pregnant woman needs
coping to a range of changes both physical and emotional thus a good support system will
greatly help her through pregnancy. According to Stright (2004) pregnant women may become
more dependent and may need increased nurturing so they nurture their developing offspring.
Stright also identified anxiety as one of the common emotional reactions of a woman during
first trimester. To battle anxiety a pregnant woman may cope by communicating openly with
the partner and the family. A pregnant woman may worry on what to eat, drink, think, feel, and
do- it's natural to worry about these things. Coping to pregnancy may vary from each woman.
As published online by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board (1997-2016), a woman can
manage stress and anxiety by performing deep-breathing exercises, getting good rest, limiting
information overload on pregnancy, join support group, healthy and well-balanced diet, and
seek help from a healthcare professional.

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References
Books/Journal
David R., Skirton, H., & Farrand, P. (2010). Psychological factors that impact on women’s
experiences of first-time motherhood: A qualitative study of the transition. Midwifery, 26, 357-
366
Lundgren, I., & Wahlberg, V. (1999). The experience of pregnancy: A
hermeneutical/phenomenological study. Journal of Perinatal Education.
Smith, J. A. (1999). Towards a relational self: Social Engagement during pregnancy and
psychological preparation for motherhood. British Journal of Social Psychology
Armstrong, T.M., & Pooley, J.A. (2005). Being Pregnant: A qualitative study of women’s lived
experiences of pregnancy. Journal of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health, 20(1), 4-24.
Katz, V.L., (2003). Prenatal Care. In Scott, J.R., et al. (Eds.), Danforth’s obstetrics and gynecology
(9th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Andrews, M., & Boyle, J. (2002). Transcultural concept in nursing care (4th ed.). Philadelphia:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Jaccard, J., Dodge, T., & Dittus, P. (2003). Maternal Discussions about pregnancy and
adolescents, attitudes towards pregnancy. Journal of Adolescent Health, 33(2), 84-87.
Curry, M., (1983). Variables related to adaptation to motherhood in normal primiparous
women. Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatal Nursing, 12 (2): 115-121.
Bergum, V., (1997). A child on her mind. The experience of becoming a mother. Westport, CT:
J.F., Bergin & Garvey.
Bondas, T., Eriksson, K., (2011). Women’s lived experiences of pregnancy: a tapestry of joy and
suffering. Qualitative Health Research, 11(6): 824-840. [Pubmed]
Lundgren, I., Wahlberg, V. (1999). The experience of pregnancy: A
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article] [PubMed]
Raphael-Leff, J., (1991). Psychological processes of childbearing. London: Chaplan & Hall.
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Polit, D., Beck, C., (2006). Essentials of Nursing Research: Methods, Appraisal, and Utilization
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Guittier, M.J.,(2014). Impact of mode of delivery on the birth experience in first-time mothers: a
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Internet
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pm/articles
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http://ccp.sagepub.com
http://www.babycenter.com/0_managing-stress-and-anxiety-during-pregnancy_1683.bc

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Appendix A
1. How did you feel when you found out that you are pregnant?
INFORMANTS RESPONSES THEMES

Angel “At first, I can’t believe that Emotional Changes

I am pregnant. I had a
mixed of emotions such as
guilt, nervous and scared
because it was unexpected
and my parents have no
idea about it.”
Ryza “I am happy, I am going to Emotional Changes
have a baby but sad with
what will be my family’s
reaction about it. I wished it
was just a dream that one
morning I’ll wake up
without it.”
Marian “I am stunned and worried Emotional Changes
when I found out that I am
pregnant even though it
was planned. I was crying
the whole time when I saw
the positive pregnancy
result.”
Jessie “I am surprised and nervous Emotional Changes
at the same time because I
don’t know on what to do
for it is my first time to get

16
 pregnant.”
Christine “I felt happy, afraid and Emotional Changes
nervous when I found out
that I am pregnant.”
Jennilyn “I am very happy and Emotional Changes
excited when I found out
that I am pregnant because
I and my partner have been
waiting this for a long time
and I can’t believe that it is
actually happening now.
I’m also worried because I
have no idea on what to do
about it.”
Judy Ann “When I found out that I Emotional Changes
am pregnant, it felt like I’m
going to burst out of
feelings. Half of me am
happy, the other half is
afraid of what will be the
changes that will happen in
my body.”
Arci “I’m so happy when I found Emotional Changes
out that I am pregnant. I
feel radiantly beautiful and
proud with my baby
bump.”

17
2. What does pregnancy means to you now that you are experiencing it?

Angel “It means responsibility for I Coping

have to consider the baby’s
health in every decision that
I make. It also means a new
chapter of my life-
motherhood.”
Ryza “Pregnancy is a gift and a Coping
blessing to me even though I
have to face a lot of criticism
around me. Having this baby
would wipe all my worries
and fears in my life.”
Marian “Pregnancy is a sacrifice for Coping
the baby. A time when I
endure all the vomiting,
dizziness and other physical
changes happening in my
body.”
Mariel “Pregnancy is to selflessly Coping
surrender my life as a single
and embrace the mothering
role to my baby in womb.”
Christine “Pregnancy is a blessing to Coping
me because we’ve been
praying for this to come
right after marriage.”
Jennilyn “Pregnancy is giving life and Coping

18
 peace to the baby inside my
womb. It is about giving
everything to ensure the
best health for the baby.”
Judy Ann “Pregnancy is a connection Coping
between me, my baby and
my partner. A connection of
love, hope, security, peace
and happiness.”
Arci “For me, pregnancy means a Coping
gift. A gift that not all
women can have and what
every family deems a
blessing.”

3. How do you feel about the physical changes during your first pregnancy?

Angel “Puking is what really tires

me because I felt like I was
going to collapse every time
it happens. I can’t enjoy all
the food that I would love to
eat because it smells
disgusting during the first
months.”
Ryza “The physical changes Emotional Changes
occurring in my body makes
me worry because these
destroy my slender figure

19
 and image. The black lines
appearing in my tummy are
itchy and sickening.”
Marian “I am nervous about the
physical changes happening
in my body for I don’t know
if it is normal or not. I
always asked my mother
what are the things should I
do about it.”
Mariel “I’m fine with all the Coping
physical changes happening
in my body. It somehow
excites me to see my
tummy getting bigger.”
Christine “It is uncomfortable, tiring Emotional Changes
and troublesome because it
somehow changed who I
am. It wasn’t easy adjusting
in these physical changes
but one day I found myself
happy touching my tummy.”
Jennilyn “I’m fine about it because it Coping
is normal to experience this
changes and I have to
embrace it for me to
carefully take good care of
my baby.

20
 Judy Ann “I am nervous with the Emotional Changes
physical changes happening
in my body. I declined
myself from physical activity
and stayed at home most of
the time for the fear of
harming my baby if I go out
or engaged in any activity.”
Arci “I’m okay with all the Emotional Changes
changes happening in my
body. As my baby’s bump is
getting visible, it is stressful
because my movement is
limited. Every time I take a
look at the mirror with my
whole body, I feel radiantly
beautiful and proud.”

4. How do you feel about the necessary care during the first pregnancy?

Angel “I’m okay with all the Coping

restrictions that my mother
and the midwives tell me to
follow because it’s for my
baby’s own good.
Ryza “At first, I was having a hard Emotional Changes
time following all the
restrictions especially about
limited intake of sweet,

21
 salty and oily foods which I
normally eat when I’m not
yet pregnant. I also missed
some hangout times with
my friends. I feel
incomplete following the
restrictions but time to
time, I feel motivated
thinking this is for my baby’s
safety.”
Marian “I’m totally fine with all the Coping
restrictions that must be
followed because the baby’s
health is my responsibility.
Whatever I do for myself I
should always consider my
baby’s well being for we are
one now.”
Mariel “I’m happy with all the Coping
restrictions that are needed
to have a healthy
pregnancy. It is very
informative and useful. I can
see that my diagnostic
results performed at me are
within normal range which
means that I and my baby
are healthy.”

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Christine “I am so thankful and Coping
blessed to know the several
restrictions and undergo the
necessary procedures to
have a healthy pregnancy
for I am able to avoid the
risk of pregnancy.”
Jennilyn “At first, I felt sad because I Emotional Changes
have to give up eating my
favorite foods such as
chocolates, street foods,
junk foods and soft drinks. I
have to embrace the
healthy living way to
achieve a healthy pregnancy
and avoid the dangers
during pregnancy.”
Judy Ann “At first, it felt awkward to Emotional Changes
undergo those essential
methods but as time goes
by, I get used to it. The
restrictions in the diet and
activity are tolerable. I
believe that this necessary
care should be followed for
my baby’s safety.”
Arci “I am delighted with all the Coping
useful necessary care for
pregnancy because this is

23
 done for my baby’s sake.”

APPENDIX B. Participant Demographic Profile

Name Age Ethnicity Religion Address Civil Status Gestational

Status at
Interview

Angel 24 Cebuano Roman Purok 6B Single 10th week

Catholic TCES,
Poblacion
Ryza 22 Cebuano Roman Purok 3 Single 18th week
Catholic RCMS,
Poblacion
Marian 29 Cebuano Roman Purok 5A Married 22nd wwek
Catholic TCES,
Poblacion
Mariel 23 Cebuano Protestant- Purok 6A Married 20th week
UCCP TCES,
Poblacion
Christine 20 Cebuano Roman Katrina Single 19th week
Catholic Village,
Poblacion
Jennilyn 27 Cebuano Protestant- Purok 2 Married 20th week
INC RCMS,
Poblacion
Judy Ann 29 Cebuano Roman Purok 3 Married 24th week
Catholic RCMS,

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 Poblacion
Arci 23 Cebuano Roman Purok 3 Married 20th week
Catholic RCMS,
Poblacion

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 Appendix C

Republic of the Philippines

Misamis Univeristy
College of Graduate Studies
Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental

Maria Filipina C. Camins, MD February 8, 2016

Municipal Health Officer
Rural Health Unit-Tubod
Poblacion, Tubod, Lanao del Norte

Sir/Ma’am:

Greetings of Peace!

I, the undersigned Masters in Nursing Major in Maternal and Child Nursing student of
the College of Nursing currently conducting a research study entitled “BOARDING TO
MOTHERHOOD: WOMEN’S LIVED EXPERIENCED OF FIRST PREGNANCY”, this 2nd semester of
A.Y. 2015-2016.
This study is purposely conducted to explore the women’s lived experienced of first
pregnancy. In this connection, I would like to ask in your good office for authorization and
support to carry out in your facility the study mentioned above. Rest assured that the
respondents’ identity shall be kept confidential and it shall be used for academic purposes only.
I am hoping for your kind response. Thank you and God bless!
Sincerely Yours,
Sabucalao, Kim Rose
MN-MCN

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 Appendix D
Republic of the Philippines
Misamis Univeristy
College of Graduate Studies
Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental

This Informed Consent Form is for first time pregnant of Poblacion, Tubod, Lanao del
Norte and who I am inviting to participate research entitled “Embarking to Motherhood: A
Phenomenological Study on the Women’s Lived Experienced of First Pregnancy”.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Name: Kim Rose C. Sabuclalao, R.N.
Institution: Misamis Univeristy-College of Graduate Studies
Address: Purok 3 Pualas, Tubod, Lanao del Norte
Phone Number: 09269429561
Email Address: fundelic10@gmail.com
This Informed Consent Form has two parts:
• Information Sheet (to share information about the study with you)
• Certificate of Consent (for signatures if you choose to participate)

You will be given a copy of the full Informed Consent Form

PART 1: INFORMATION SHEET

INTRODUCTION
I am Kim Rose C. Sabuclalao, R.N., a Masters in Nursing Major in Maternal and Child
Nursing student of Misamis University. I am doing a phenomenological research on first time
pregnant to explore and describe their experience of pregnancy. I am going to give you
information and invite you to be part of this research. You do not have to decide today whether
or not you will participate in the research. Before you decide, you can talk to anyone you feel

27
comfortable with about the research. This consent form may contain words that you do not
understand. Please ask me to stop as we go through the information and I will take time to
explain. If you have questions later, you can ask them of me or of another researcher.

PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH

The purpose of this study is to identify, describe and explore the women lived
experiences of first pregnancy. We want to develop guidelines that support the health care
professionals in meeting the needs of first time pregnant women. We believe you can help us
by telling us what are you perceptions and experiences of pregnancy. Ultimately, this research
may be presented as a research paper in partial fulfillment of Qualitative Research subject.

TYPE OF RESEARCH INTERVENTION

This research will involve your participation in an in-depth-interview that will take about
20-25 minutes. This study will utilize the phenomenological research approach to explore
women experience of first pregnancy with their own words and to access to their
representations.

PARTICIPANT SELECTION
You are being invited to take part in this research because we feel that your experience
as a first time pregnant can contribute much to our understanding and knowledge of first
pregnancy.

STUDY PROCEDURES
During the interview, I will sit down with you in a comfortable place at the Rural Health
Unit. If it is better for you, the interview can take place in your home or a friend's home. If you
do not wish to answer any of the questions during the interview, you may say so and the
interviewer will move on to the next question. No one else but the interviewer will be present
unless you would like someone else to be there. This research will involve your participation in
an in-depth-interview that will take about 10-15 minutes. The information recorded is

28
confidential, and no one else except the researcher and the researcher’s adviser will access to
the information documented during your interview. The entire interview will be voice-recorded,
but no-one will be identified by name on the recordings. The information recorded is
confidential, and no one else except the researcher and the researcher’s adviser will have
access to the recordings. The recordings will be deleted after the research study is done and
approved.

COMPENSATION
There is no compensation for participating in this study.

RISK
We are asking you to share with us some very personal and confidential information,
and you may feel uncomfortable talking about some of the topics. You do not have to answer
any question or take part in the discussion/interview/survey if you don't wish to do so, and that
is also fine. You do not have to give us any reason for not responding to any question, or for
refusing to take part in the interview.

BENEFITS
There will be no direct benefit to you for your participation in this study. However, we
hope that the information obtained from this study may help us increase knowledge of
pregnancy, determine the society’s perception and attitude towards pregnancy and identify the
first time mothers of physical and psychological needs and resources.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Your responses to this research study will be anonymous. These measures will be taken by
the researcher to preserve your confidentiality including the following:

 Assigning pseudo names/code numbers top participants that will be used on all research
notes and documents.

29
  Keeping notes, interview transcriptions, and any other identifying participant
information in a locked file cabinet in the personal possession of the researcher.

Participant data will be kept confidential except in cases where the researcher is legally
obligated to report specific incidents. These incidents include, but may not be limited to,
incidents of abuse and suicide risk. The information recorded is confidential, and no one else
except the researcher and the researcher’s adviser will have access to the recordings. The
recordings will be deleted after the research study is done and approved.

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary. It is your choice whether to
participate or not. If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to sign a consent
form. After you sign the consent form, you are still free to withdraw at any time and without
giving a reason. Withdrawing from this study will not affect the relationship you have, if any,
with the researcher. If you withdraw from the study before data collection is completed, your
data will be returned to you or destroyed.

CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have questions at any time about this study, or you experience adverse effects as
the result of participating in this study, you may contact the researcher whose contact
information is provided on the first page. If you have questions regarding your rights as a
research participant, or if problems arise which you do not feel you can discuss with the
Primary Investigator, please contact the Misamis Univeristy-College of Nursing, Ozamis City,
Misamis Occidental.

CONSENT

I have read and I understand the provided information and have had the opportunity to
ask questions. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw at

30
any time, without giving a reason and without cost. I understand that I will be given a copy of
this consent form. I voluntarily agree to take part in this study.

Participant's signature ______________________________ Date __________

Investigator's signature _____________________________ Date __________

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