<p>Pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction may experience a series of psychological reactions, identifying those women’s experiences is helpful for improving pregnancy outcomes. However, the relevant studies and evidence are still lacking in China. This study aimed to explore the experiences of pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction in China. A descriptive qualitative design was conducted for this study. From June to October 2025, qualitative data was collected through a semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interview from 12 pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction in a tertiary hospital in Henan province, China. Two investigators analyzed qualitative data independently, and data was analyzed following qualitative content analysis. The experiences of pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction were described under three themes: complex emotional experiences, multiple coping strategies, and multidimensional needs. Five sub-themes emerged from the complex emotional experiences: unacceptance and regret, distress and anxiety, ambivalence and fear, guilt, and worrying about the safety of the remaining fetus and oneself. Three sub-themes identified from multiple coping strategies: hiding inner feelings, accepting reality, and seeking help from family. Five sub-themes explained the multidimensional needs of pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction: informational need, psychological need, accessible healthcare need, mental health service need, and financial support need. Pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction have various psychological emotions, coping styles, and diversified needs. Screening and intervention of psychological emotions, promoting positive coping styles and addressing unmet needs based on multi-dimensional levels (e.g., policymakers, family members, professionals) are crucial for improving mental health of pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction.</p>

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The experiences of Chinese pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction: a qualitative study

  • Dongsun Chen,
  • Genxia Li,
  • Hongxia Cui,
  • Mingchen Fu,
  • Liu Yang,
  • Shuanghui Zhu,
  • Ning Yang,
  • Ge Du,
  • Peili Zhang,
  • Sasa Huang

摘要

Pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction may experience a series of psychological reactions, identifying those women’s experiences is helpful for improving pregnancy outcomes. However, the relevant studies and evidence are still lacking in China. This study aimed to explore the experiences of pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction in China. A descriptive qualitative design was conducted for this study. From June to October 2025, qualitative data was collected through a semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interview from 12 pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction in a tertiary hospital in Henan province, China. Two investigators analyzed qualitative data independently, and data was analyzed following qualitative content analysis. The experiences of pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction were described under three themes: complex emotional experiences, multiple coping strategies, and multidimensional needs. Five sub-themes emerged from the complex emotional experiences: unacceptance and regret, distress and anxiety, ambivalence and fear, guilt, and worrying about the safety of the remaining fetus and oneself. Three sub-themes identified from multiple coping strategies: hiding inner feelings, accepting reality, and seeking help from family. Five sub-themes explained the multidimensional needs of pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction: informational need, psychological need, accessible healthcare need, mental health service need, and financial support need. Pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction have various psychological emotions, coping styles, and diversified needs. Screening and intervention of psychological emotions, promoting positive coping styles and addressing unmet needs based on multi-dimensional levels (e.g., policymakers, family members, professionals) are crucial for improving mental health of pregnant women who have undergone fetal reduction.