Pregnancy Intendedness in a High Risk Group Reassessing Its Meaning

Author's abstract: The traditional framework of the National Survey of Family Growth classification scheme works well for most married couples, but is less plausible for minority women who are labeled as high-risk. Surveys that are being used to assess the National Family Growth are limited classification schemes because they have failed to reveal the complex nature associated with defining pregnancies in high-risk groups. This research was designed as a qualitative study, which used semi-structured, open-ended interviews to explore concepts of pregnancy. Five qualitative dimensions of pregnancy intendedness emerged: socioconception desire for pregnancy, forced preparation, fertility behavior and expectation, post-socioconception desire for pregnancy, and dealing with the pregnancy. The relationships of these qualitative dimensions exhibited complex and varied relationships. Future research should focus on asking questions regarding pregnancy categorization in the presence of both partners in order to elucidate the relationship between pregnancy desire for both the woman and the partner. INDEX WORDS: Socioconception desire for pregnancy, Post socioconception desire for pregnancy, Fertility behaviors and expectations, Dealing with pregnancy, Forced preparation, High-risk groups, Pregnancy intendedness, Unwanted pregnancy, Mistimed pregnancy, Intendedness, National Survey of Family Growth, Unplanned pregnancy, Unintended pregnancy.