Perspectives and experiences of pregnancy among three generations of women in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
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Date
2023
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Abstract
For the past few decades, there has been numerous studies done on pregnancy and
factors that influence pregnancy. The rise in pregnancy among young people has led to
an increasing concern as to what is the cause of it. Women across all generations have
different perspectives and experiences of pregnancy outcomes. There might be an
unwavering concern as to if mothers from across the three generations investigated
influence their daughter’s outcome and perspectives of pregnancy. However, mothers
have the minimal influence of their daughter’s pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to
explore the influence of three generations namely grandmothers, mothers and daughters
on pregnancy outcomes. All women were living in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Telephonic in-depth interviews were held with fifteen women, five from each
generation. The interviews suggest that mothers do not solely influence their daughter’s
pregnancy outcomes, but there are others factors such socio-economic factors which
contribute to the pregnancy outcome. Additionally, the findings demonstrated that sex
education remains taboo in most families. The findings also shed light on how
unplanned pregnancies are caused by a lack of understanding, stigma, and knowledge
about contraception. The study suggests that the intendedness of pregnancy must be
revised from a more multidimensional and structural perspective in light of shifting
demographics, community norms regarding sex, marriage, and contraception, as well
as advancements in social research.
Description
Master’s Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.