Women's perceptions on risk pregnancy and family implications

This study aimed to identify the women's perceptions of risk pregnancies and to investigate its implications to the families. The data was collected through a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews during the months of March and April of 1999. Five pregnant women were interviewed at the Obstetric Clinic of the University Hospital Júlio Müller in Cuiabá/MT. It was found that the women sometimes experience confused and contradictory feelings, since the "myth of motherhood and maternal love" is still very strong in our society. It was observed that the involvement and support of the family during a risky pregnancy are very important to the pregnant woman.