Susan Highsmith Dissertation

In Chapter VI I first look at the themes through eyes of a phenomenologist. I examine the themes one at a time incorporating quotations derived from the transcript of each primipara’s interview. The interviews yielded volumes of information that demonstrated how a woman’s experience can be unique while still sharing common elements with others. I also include research that is related to the themes that I identified.

Some of the studies had been included in the literature review. However, the themes emerged from the data. Since there was no way I could know ahead of time what the themes would be, I added relevant new studies here.

Individual Themes Theme 1: Discovering Joy The themes that emerged from seven primiparas’ answers to open-ended questions began with Discovering Joy. Each of these particular women were happy to be pregnant, indeed, several had been consciously attempting to conceive. Nonetheless, each woman added one or more qualifications to her positive response. Annette said she was happy the whole time, in spite of mood swings and the necessity to face “traumatic things.” Barbara said she felt good but was more excited when she first learned she was pregnant. As she neared her due date, her discomfort and apprehension grew. Carolyn was “ecstatic” viewing her situation as the “answer to a prayer” yet she doubted that she could “trust it” or really believe that, at 42, her pregnancy was “real.” Dorothy’s reaction appeared more cerebral and even subdued. She included her husband’s response using “we” when she spoke of their reactions. They were both “excited” and saw the pregnancy as a “very welcome event.” Even so, Dorothy was feeling increasingly “awkward.” Eleanor loved being pregnant but, she too, had dealt with “trials and tribulations.” Her joy appeared to outweigh any discomfort. Felicia was “glad” and 191