Construction of Meaning in Pregnancy Loss: Qualitative Study with Brazilian Couples

Abstract

We investigated the process of meaning construction in pregnancy loss in 11 Brazilian couples. The reports were submitted to inductive and deductive thematic analysis using the categorization system from the integrative model of meaning construction in grief. Regarding the original dimensions of the model (Sense-making of death, benefit from the experience of loss, and identity change), there was a lack of meaning for death, perception of strengthened bonds within the couple as a benefit, and parenting as an identity project. We propose an additional dimension (Meaning-making process) that includes gender differences, lack of social recognition, and emotional intensity of the experience. As for coping strategies, spirituality and the search for peers were identified, especially in social media. After a pregnancy loss, the process of meaning construction proved similar to that of other types of loss, validating this experience. We discuss the implications of the category system used in this study.