Explaining mothers’ experiences during pregnancy following in vitro fertilization: a qualitative study

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technique through which mothers face various physical, psychological, and social challenges during pregnancy. Understanding these challenges can significantly contribute to the development of effective care plans. This study aimed to explore and explain the experiences of mothers during pregnancy following IVF. This qualitative study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach and was conducted in Kermanshah, Iran. A total of 11 mothers who had successfully conceived through IVF and had children born via this method were selected through purposive sampling and the snowball method. Data collection was primarily conducted through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. The interviews were held individually, face-to-face, in a hospital clinic at different times of the day (morning and afternoon). The duration of each interview ranged from 50 to 70 min, depending on the participants’ ability. Data saturation was achieved with 11 participants, and data analysis was performed concurrently using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. The analysis of the interviews resulted in 374 codes, 14 sub-themes, and four main themes. The emerging themes included fear and hope, hope for the maternal role, perceived social support, and reliance on God in the face of challenges. The study findings revealed that mothers who conceived through IVF experienced a range of physical, psychological, and social challenges during pregnancy. Key experiences such as fear and hope, hope for motherhood, perceived social support, and faith in God helped them navigate the pregnancy journey and ultimately achieve childbirth successfully.