Women's Experience of Hospitalized Bed Rest During High-Risk Pregnancy

Objective: To describe the lived experience of the hospitalized pregnant woman on bed rest. Design: A qualitative, phenomenological design. Setting: Three high-risk antepartum units in the midwestern United States. Participants: A self-selected, convenience sample of 11 high-risk pregnant women. Method: Phenomenological study using thematic analysis of completed handwritten journals and/or online blogs. Results: Women described the battles that they fought each day for the lives of their unborn children. Using an imagery of war, three categories emerged: (a) the war within, (b) fighting each battle, and (c) bringing in reinforcements. Conclusions: Women experience many different emotions and stressors during restricted bed rest. A nurse's understanding of this experience is essential to provide adequate care and coping strategies for women at this time.