Perceptions and Expectations of Women Who Experienced Near Miss Events - A Phenomenological Study

Dr. A. Jabila Gnana Thiah, Thotta Siddamma

Abstract: Pregnancy is a significant phase in a woman?s life, bringing joy and fulfilment through the experience of motherhood. However, pregnancy also involves profound physical and emotional changes that can have a lasting impact on a woman?s life and perspective. This phenomenological study was conducted to explore the perceptions and expectations of women who experienced a maternal near-miss event during pregnancy. The study included 20 pregnant women who experienced near-miss events at Maternity Hospital, selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was carried out using recorded verbatim transcripts. Among the participants, 40% were Christian, 40% Hindu, and 10% Muslim. Nearly 45% were graduates or above, and 85% were housewives. More than half (55%) were primiparous women. Regarding gestational age, 45% delivered between 35?40 weeks, 25% between 29?34 weeks, and 30% before 28 weeks of gestation. In terms of pregnancy outcomes, 55% delivered live babies, 20% experienced abortion, 15% had intrauterine fetal death, 5% had neonatal death due to fetal distress, and 5% delivered a stillborn baby. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: self-appraisal, provision of care, predisposition of healthcare services, and social support. With respect to expectations, participants highlighted that availability of resources, accessibility, cost of healthcare, and healthcare providers? behaviour significantly influenced the utilization of maternal health services. The study findings indicate that social support played a crucial role in protecting women from adverse health outcomes. Despite experiencing severe and acute complications, most women expressed relief at having survived the event and demonstrated optimism toward resuming their normal lives.

Keywords: Perceptions, Expectations of Women, Near Miss Events

How to Cite?: Dr. A. Jabila Gnana Thiah, Thotta Siddamma, "Perceptions and Expectations of Women Who Experienced Near Miss Events - A Phenomenological Study", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2096-2098, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251226145551, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251226145551