Mothers’ experiences of fetal death

Abstract

Background: In 2019, the perinatal mortality rate in Portugal was 3.5%, one of the lowest rates ​in the past 10 years. Fetal death is one of the most traumatic experiences that women can face. Objective: To analyze women’s feelings/experiences in situations of fetal death. Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Non-probability con-venience sampling. Ten semi-structured interviews with women who experienced fetal death. IRa-MuTeQ software, version 0.7 alpha 2, was used. Results: Women reported that fetal death was a painful experience and that the news of fetal death had been delivered to them in a cold and inhuman way. They were satisfied with the care provided by the nurses, and highlighted the relational component. They also pointed out the lack of information and the preparation for hospital discharge. Conclusion: Training activities aimed at the development of evidence-based practices should be im-plemented for the nurses who contact with women who experience fetal death, particularly regarding communication and interpersonal relationships.