Irish Wedding News
25/06/2014
Those behind the study have said they hope the findings will ensure women's voices are heard and that a policy can be shaped to respond to their needs appropriately. They have appealed for women who are currently keeping their pregnancy a secret, or who have kept a pregnancy hidden in the past, to take part.
A concealed or hidden pregnancy is where a woman hides her pregnancy and keeps it secret from her family and social network. It is said that this can lead to delayed – or no antenatal care, negative health outcomes or even maternal or neonatal death.
Despite the popular belief that concealed pregnancies are "a thing of the past from the era of the mother and baby homes", Sylvia Murphy Tighe, HRB Fellow and Midwifery Doctoral Student, and Professor Joan Lalor, Associate Professor from the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Trinity, said it is still an ongoing situation for many women.
Speaking about concealed pregnancies in Ireland, Ms Murphy Tighe said: "Many women and children suffered in the past from their experiences of mother and baby homes and other negative societal and familial responses to pregnancy.
"However, women are still keeping pregnancies secret in Ireland today and we need to get an understanding of the complex reasons behind this phenomenon so that we can respond more effectively.
"There may be a sense in society that only teenagers conceal pregnancies. However, our research and the experience of midwives, social workers and GPs have confirmed that women of all ages, including older women and women within and outside of relationships may keep their pregnancy secret.
"The reasons for concealment vary widely and can include financial concerns, cultural and/or religious influences, power and dynamics in the relationship, domestic abuse, the lack of a partner or boyfriend, parental opinion and age."
Professor Lalor added: "For too long healthcare professionals have shaped policy. It is now time to hear the voices and experiences of women so we can respond more effectively, help shape policy and assist in the development of care pathways for women in Ireland today."
The study is being funded by the Health Research Board.
(JP)
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'Concealed Pregnancies Persist' Researchers Claim
The School of Nursing and Midwifery at Trinity College Dublin has said it is to carry out a significant research programme into concealed pregnancies in Ireland.Those behind the study have said they hope the findings will ensure women's voices are heard and that a policy can be shaped to respond to their needs appropriately. They have appealed for women who are currently keeping their pregnancy a secret, or who have kept a pregnancy hidden in the past, to take part.
A concealed or hidden pregnancy is where a woman hides her pregnancy and keeps it secret from her family and social network. It is said that this can lead to delayed – or no antenatal care, negative health outcomes or even maternal or neonatal death.
Despite the popular belief that concealed pregnancies are "a thing of the past from the era of the mother and baby homes", Sylvia Murphy Tighe, HRB Fellow and Midwifery Doctoral Student, and Professor Joan Lalor, Associate Professor from the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Trinity, said it is still an ongoing situation for many women.
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Speaking about concealed pregnancies in Ireland, Ms Murphy Tighe said: "Many women and children suffered in the past from their experiences of mother and baby homes and other negative societal and familial responses to pregnancy.
"However, women are still keeping pregnancies secret in Ireland today and we need to get an understanding of the complex reasons behind this phenomenon so that we can respond more effectively.
"There may be a sense in society that only teenagers conceal pregnancies. However, our research and the experience of midwives, social workers and GPs have confirmed that women of all ages, including older women and women within and outside of relationships may keep their pregnancy secret.
"The reasons for concealment vary widely and can include financial concerns, cultural and/or religious influences, power and dynamics in the relationship, domestic abuse, the lack of a partner or boyfriend, parental opinion and age."
Professor Lalor added: "For too long healthcare professionals have shaped policy. It is now time to hear the voices and experiences of women so we can respond more effectively, help shape policy and assist in the development of care pathways for women in Ireland today."
The study is being funded by the Health Research Board.
(JP)
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Angelica Ross Learns Of Boyfriend's Secret Life
Ashley Graham's Breastfeeding Struggle
Susanna Reid's Mother's Day Plans
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