Chapter 7 158 From the IPA, four main themes were identified (see Figure 7.1). The order of the themes displays the chronological narrative approach of the two consecutive interviews during and after pregnancy. ‘Ascribing meaning to the unintended pregnancy’ describes the discovery of the pregnancy, the decision-making process and how the pregnancy became a reality. The ‘Impact on mental health’ theme displays how psychiatric symptoms evolved and changed because of the UP and how a desire for a safety net with pillars of support appeared. The ‘Coping’ theme follows with a description of the coping mechanisms that were adopted. The last theme, ‘Parenthood’, links the imaginations and expectations during pregnancy with the postpartum experiences. The subthemes offer further depth and interpretation of the data. The following paragraphs illustrate the findings with quotes from the participants and, when applicable, from the partners of participant 1 and participant 2. Figure 7.1 - Organization of themes and subthemes. Ascribing meaning to an unintended pregnancy The first theme delves into how participants attributed meaning to their UP. This process included perceptions about the risk of a pregnancy, the presence or absence of pregnancy intentions prior to the UP, the discovery of the pregnancy and the decision-making process thereof. Theme 1: Ascribing meaning to an unintended pregnancy Conception by misconception Not sure of my intentions A line as thick as could be My decision to make Theme 2: Impact on mental health Symptoms: mixed and more Perceiving stigma In need of a safety net Theme 3: Coping One step at a time Breaking old patterns Seeking pillars of support Theme 4: Parenthood Reality kicking in Transition to motherhood Personal growth From a father's perspective
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