Hans van den Heuvel

participants in the hospital group remembered being in bed for hours for non-stress tests (cardiotocography), which was physically and mentally straining. The restrictions on their activity made some women very restless. [HA11] “I had to stay in bed or a wheelchair most of the time. Although I knew this was for the better for the baby, it was still hard on me.” The facilities in the hospital generated mixed reviews. Some positive remarks were made concerning the private bathrooms, television and internet, but most negative remarks were made regarding the food and beds – most of the participants missed their personal habits and choices for dinner. 2) Feelings regarding pregnancy The majority of patients in the hospitalized group accepted the need for daily monitoring and admission, although some participants (3/11) argued that they could have stayed at home, since they did not experience any physical complaints themselves. Being confronted with pregnancy complications was mostly followed by emotions of fear, anger and sadness. [HA07] “We instantly understood why I had to stay in the hospital. After this, it like felt we stepped into an emotional rollercoaster… anxious, angry, sad but also relieved and happy.” Most of the participants in the hospital group felt bored or isolated. In some cases, boredom resulted in agitation or frustration, not knowing when or how this specific situation would end. The longer the admission lasted, the more the boredom would strike, as 4/11 subjects addressed. [HA09] “Later on, the boredom just intensified. It felt disturbing. Every day passed by in the same way. I could never go somewhere. Reading and watching television is only amusing for a while, but not the whole day, each and every day.” The presence of anxiety and fear is associated with the uncertainty of the future health of their babies or their own body. Admitted participants felt more anxious as the admission continued, since they heard more about the risks associated with high risk pregnancy. Worrisome results of ultrasounds, cardiotocography or blood tests altered these feelings of fear. On the contrary, experiencing calm periods in the hospital, or hearing promising results of antenatal tests was beneficial. One participant [HA11] raised the concept that her stay in the hospital felt safe, “… knowing that personnel was close by and able to react quickly in acute situations.” CHAPTER 8 132