ABSTRACT

Background

Miscarriage, in a nursing context, is often referred to as a spontaneous abortion or involuntary abortion and affects a large percentage of pregnant women. The cause of miscarriage is difficult to diagnose, and the symptoms are individual. Commonly, the symptoms are vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain and a general feeling that “something is wrong”. It is due to these subjective symptoms that these women seek care via emergency departments.

Aim

The aim was to describe adult women's experiences of miscarriage based on Katie Eriksson ́s nursing theory on the three dimensions of suffering.

Method

This literature review was based on 18 research articles, with either qualitative or quantitative research methods. A database search was conducted through CINAHL, PubMed and PsycINFO. The included articles underwent quality assessment in accordance to Sophiahemmet University ́s matrix and analyzed with inspiration from Kristensson’s (2014) Integrated analysis.

Results

The result is presented in three categories based on Katie Eriksson ́s nursing theory; Care Suffering, Disease Suffering and, Life Suffering. The result showed that a miscarriage affects a woman within all three dimensions of suffering, where the traumatic event consists of feelings such as powerlessness, hopelessness and shame. Furthermore, it is shown that healthcare professionals have a responsibility in how the woman gets affected in the context of her suffering. Healthcare professionals with a true dedication and an empathic attitude is a contributing factor for a reduction of the suffering for these women.

Conclusions

The woman's experiences are affected within all three dimensions of suffering based on Katie Eriksson ́s nursing theory. To undergo miscarriage is a complex situation that leaves imprints on the life of these women, as the situation affects life in a physical, mental, social and existential way. This literature review also shows that healthcare professionals attitudes towards these women have a great impact on the future for these women. It is of great significance that healthcare professionals possess capacity on how their attitudes have an importance for the continued suffering for these women.

Keywords: Care Suffering, Disease Suffering, Experiences, Life Suffering, Miscarriage.