Pregnancy and Parenting Experiences of Women With Twin-to-twin Transfusion Syndrome: A Qualitative Study

Abstract BackgroundQualitative research can reflect the actual thoughts and experience of research subjects and can be used to explore the experiences of women presenting with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) to facilitate the provision of targeted psychological support.MethodsA semi-structured interview method was used to assess the pregnancy and parenting experiences of women who presented with TTTS.ResultsWomen who presented with TTTS during pregnancy experienced persistent worry about their children’s health from the disease diagnosis to the subsequent parenting processes, when slight changes in their children’s health elicited concern. The lack of an efficient referral process and health information increased their uncertainty about their children’s health.ConclusionIn addition to the children’s health, other difficulties encountered during pregnancy and parenting may aggravate the pressure. Regardless of whether with successful delivery, women who experiencing TTTS may be more susceptible to psychological problems. Clinicians should improve the referral process and establish a follow-up system to provide women with health information and psychological support.