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Journal of Holistic Nursing
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The Effect of Faith or Spirituality in Pregnancy

A Content Analysis

D. Elizabeth Jesse, PhD, CNM

East Carolina University School of Nursing

Chantel Schoneboom, MSN, CNM

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia

Amy Blanchard, MS

East Carolina University School of Nursing

This study used a qualitative descriptive research design to discover the relevance and meaning of spirituality in the lives of 130 urban low-income pregnant women by asking the open-ended question, "How does your faith or spirituality affect your pregnancy if at all?" Forty-seven percent of the women in this study described how spirituality affected their pregnancy positively, 45% described that spirituality did not affect them, and 5.4% were unsure. A content analysis of those who answered positively revealed six themes from the data describing the meaning of faith or spirituality in pregnancy: (a) guidance and support; (b) protection, blessing, or reward; (c) communication with God; (d) strength and confidence; (e) help with difficult moral choices; and (f) a generalized positive effect. These findings point to the importance of attending to spirituality as a resource in pregnancy for those who value it and further exploring the meaning of spirituality in pregnancy.

Key Words: pregnancy • religiosity • spirituality • content analysis

Journal of Holistic Nursing, Vol. 25, No. 3, 151-158 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0898010106293593
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M. M. Shattell
Commentary on "The Effect of Faith or Spirituality in Pregnancy: A Content Analysis"
J Holist Nurs, September 1, 2007; 25(3): 159 - 159.
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