Semi-structured interviews with 21 women in Ireland (February–May 2024) who had experienced a pregnancy and/or birth complication 12 months to 5 years prior, exploring their subjective mental health experiences and perceptions using reflexive thematic analysis.
Four themes emerged: (1) unmet expectations vs. reality of complications; (2) unresolved psychological consequences, especially anxiety and fear of future pregnancies; (3) the critical role of clear communication with healthcare providers; and (4) the importance of interpersonal and structural support networks.
Small purposive sample of 21 women limits transferability; conducted in Ireland only, reducing generalizability to other healthcare systems; retrospective self-report (up to 5 years post-complication) introduces recall bias.
Clinicians should proactively address unresolved anxiety and provide clear, compassionate communication after pregnancy or birth complications — women report these gaps persist for years. Referral pathways to peer and structural supports should be offered routinely, not only in the acute phase.
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