Is it possible for parents to endure a stillbirth diagnosis? Initially experiences, perceptions and internal strategies: Individual in-depth interviews in Sweden 2021-2023

Abstract

Background: Stillbirth occurs 3.0 per thousand in Sweden, and in-depth thoughts, feelings and worries among affected parents in a longitudinal study is rather unknown. The aim of this qualitative in-depth study is to deepen and widely explore parents’ initially experiences and perceptions and internal processes and strategies from awareness and suspicion of stillbirth until one month after stillbirth in Sweden. Methods: Ten individual in-depth interviews were conducted in 2021-2023 and data were evaluated in thematic network analysis. Results: Two organizing themes ‘Pregnancy, Awareness, Information, Reactions and Reflections at Tragical Stillbirth Diagnosis’ and ‘Support and Structured Activities and Internal Processes at Stillbirth’ captured significant deepen consequenses of sudden unexpected and devastating end of the pregnancy. The suspicion of and the stillbirth diagnosis was initially associated with sudden discomfort and fears and bottomless grief and intensive pain, but a vaginal birth became in total the optimal method both for the body and soul. Caring for the stillborn baby with physical proximity for an extended period of time facilitated understanding and coping with the grieving process and embracing parenthood. Conclusions: Parents experiencing stillbirth were exposed to an unimaginable and irreversible life-changing event, but almost all developed coping strategies during the first intensive and painful month after the stillbirth in order to move on in the grieving process.