A typology of concealed pregnancy

Aim: Within this paper we have developed a typology of individuals who have experienced a concealed pregnancy with outcomes ranging from maternal/neonatal death to mothering the infant. Background: Concealed pregnancy is... [ view full abstract ]

Aim: Within this paper we have developed a typology of individuals who have experienced a concealed pregnancy with outcomes ranging from maternal/neonatal death to mothering the infant.
Background: Concealed pregnancy is associated with maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and has been raised as an area of concern in Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths and Serious Case Reviews into infant deaths in the UK. Concealed pregnancy is a precursor to newborn abandonment and neonaticide. Keeping it Secret The KISS Study is being conducted to explore the psychosocial processes involved when women choose to conceal a pregnancy as understanding the process is central to providing support and minimising tragic outcomes.
Methods: 24 women who have concealed at least one pregnancy have taken part in a Grounded Theory study to explore and understand why women keep their pregnancy secret from significant others. As part of the study a concept analysis of concealed pregnancy was undertaken using Walker & Avant's Framework.
Analysis & Results: An analysis of the concept has identified the antecedents, attributes and consequences of concealing a pregnancy. A detailed analysis of the demographic data, the context of the pregnancy, the women's narrative and the pregnancy outcome has yielded a typology of presentations clustered around main outcomes such as maternal/neonatal death, abandonment, birthing alone, fostering/adoption and choosing to access support for birth and mothering.
Recommendations: This study found evidence of patterns in the case presentations of concealed pregnancy that may assist in the identification of women at increased risk for negative outcomes. Through the generation of a typology it is hoped that the evidence will support the development of policy and service initiatives to support women at this time of crisis.
Keywords: concealed pregnancy, typology, concept analysis