{
    "abstract": "Stillbirth occurs at a rate of 3.0 per thousand in Sweden. However, few studies have focused on the initial experiences of parents facing a stillbirth. The aim of this qualitative study is to deepen and broadly explore parents' initial experiences, perceptions, internal processes and strategies from the moment of suspicion or awareness of stillbirth until one month after the event.\nTen individual in-depth interviews were conducted between 2021 and 2023, and data were evaluated using thematic network analysis.\nTwo key themes emerged: 'Following the journey - from suspicion to acceptance' and 'Support, structured activities and processes after stillbirth'. These themes captured the significant consequences of a sudden, unexpected and devastating end to pregnancy. The suspicion and eventual diagnosis of stillbirth were initially associated with sudden discomfort, fear, overwhelming grief, and intense pain. Nevertheless, a vaginal birth was regarded as the optimal mode of delivery for both physical and emotional wellbeing. Caring for the stillborn baby through physical proximity for an extended period of time helped parents comprehend and cope with their grief, while also affirming their sense of parenthood.\nThis study sheds light on the profound and devastating impact of stillbirth on parents who are confronted with the loss of their long-awaited and cherished baby. The intense grief and pain experienced by parents during the first month after stillbirth were described as an ongoing heavy burden, persisting day and night, and reflected in poor/very poor mental health. Despite the immense challenges faced by parents, the study highlights the importance of developing individual coping strategies to deal with this tragic and irreversible life-changing event.",
    "authors": [
        {
            "affiliation": "Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 751 85, Sweden. berit.hoglund@kbh.uu.se.",
            "firstname": "Berit",
            "initials": "B",
            "lastname": "H\u00f6glund"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 751 85, Sweden.\nDepartment of Nursing, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden.\nDepartment of Nursing, Ume\u00e5 University, Ume\u00e5, Sweden.",
            "firstname": "Ingegerd",
            "initials": "I",
            "lastname": "Hildingsson"
        }
    ],
    "conclusions": null,
    "copyrights": "\u00a9 2025. The Author(s).",
    "doi": "10.1186/s12884-024-07055-0",
    "journal": "BMC pregnancy and childbirth",
    "keywords": [
        "Coping strategies",
        "Foetal movements",
        "Grieving process",
        "In-depth interviews",
        "Parents",
        "Professionals",
        "Stillbirth"
    ],
    "methods": null,
    "publication_date": "2025-01-04",
    "pubmed_id": "39754069\n33246144\n31027483\n24117104\n19410217\n23354074\n37871980\n26785915\n30824375\n31005574\n37833833\n29364937\n31254962\n37493011\n33576029\n25522655\n37582089\n15330881\n28333794\n22410169\n26111120\n9086957\n34794395\n38242808\n34023069\n27154170\n27905202",
    "results": "Two key themes emerged: 'Following the journey - from suspicion to acceptance' and 'Support, structured activities and processes after stillbirth'. These themes captured the significant consequences of a sudden, unexpected and devastating end to pregnancy. The suspicion and eventual diagnosis of stillbirth were initially associated with sudden discomfort, fear, overwhelming grief, and intense pain. Nevertheless, a vaginal birth was regarded as the optimal mode of delivery for both physical and emotional wellbeing. Caring for the stillborn baby through physical proximity for an extended period of time helped parents comprehend and cope with their grief, while also affirming their sense of parenthood.",
    "title": "Is it possible for parents to endure a stillbirth? Initial experiences, perceptions and strategies: individual in-depth interviews in Sweden 2021-2023.",
    "xml": "<Element 'PubmedArticle' at 0x788504977560>"
}