Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the fear and causes associated with pregnancy and childbirth among Kurdish women in Iran. Design: A qualitative design was chosen and grounded theory was used for data analysis. Setting: Three health care centers in Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan province, west of Iran. Participants: 22 pregnant Kurdish women were interviewed during their third trimester. Findings: All women expressed at least some fears associated with pregnancy and/or childbirth. The women's fears were related to their babies' well-being, process and procedure during labor and childbirth, family life, criticism of husband's family, and the attitudes of hospital personnel. The reasons for their fears included previous negative experiences, lack of knowledge, maternity environment and hospital personnel, sex of their baby, and financial status. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that more attention should be paid to childbirth education and healthcare services. The findings also highlight the need for a careful review of the existing labor and delivery units and procedures.Midwives need further training in how to meet and support pregnant women with fear related to pregnancy and childbirth.