The Effects of Gestational Age and Pregnancy Planning Status on Obstetrical Nurses'Perceptions of Giving Emotional Care to Women Experiencing Miscarriage

Obstetrical nurses (N=292) were surveyed regarding the influence of gestational age and pregnancy planning on nurses'emotional care for women who had experienced miscarriage. Three measures of emotional care were used as the dependent variables: emotional seriousness, priority of care and emotional support. Both gestational age and whether the pregnancy was planned or unplanned had a significant effect on the nurses'perceptions of emotional seriousness and priority of care. Planning status was significant in the nurses'perception of emotional support.