Perspectives and experiences of pregnancy among three generations of women in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

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.