Abstract:

Aim: This study was planned to scrutinize the experiences of pregnant women with viral infections (HIV, HBV and HCV) during pregnancy. Method: This study was in a qualitative research design in which the phenomenological method was used and the population consisted of pregnant women with HIV, HBV and HCV who were treated in a university hospital Eleven women with a diagnosis of viral infection, without psychiatric disease and communication difficulties, were included in the study using purposive sampling method. The interviews were collected by the researcher in approximately 30 – 45 minutes using the face-to-face interview technique. Results: When the viral infection types of 11 pregnant women included in the study were examined, 8 were found to be HBV (+), 2 as HIV (+), and 1 as HCV (+). The mean age of the pregnant women was 33.27±4.31 and the mean week of gestation was 34.90±2.54. Six main themes and sub-themes were created by coding the interview notes obtained from the interviews with women. These; first diagnosis and feelings/senses”, “treatment/follow-up/protection”, “information and counseling”, “spouse, family and social support” and “pregnancy decision”. In the sub-themes, there are codes that support the main themes such as anxiety, sadness, stigma, shock, hope, excitement. Conclusions and Suggestions: As a result of the study, it was determined that pregnant women diagnosed with viral infection experienced negative emotions such as shock, sadness, shame and stigma. Counseling pregnant women about the treatment process and afterward by health professionals has led to a decrease in the anxiety of pregnant women and more positive experiences about pregnancy.

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