PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS AND MENTAL WELL-BEING AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN

Background: Superstitious beliefs during pregnancy are prevalent in many cultures, especially in regions where traditional customs strongly influence maternal behaviors. These beliefs, often passed down through generations, can shape how women manage their pregnancy, sometimes supporting well-being but at times interfering with evidence-based care. In Pakistan, cultural heritage, religious norms, and limited access to maternal healthcare services contribute to the persistence of these beliefs, which may affect maternal and fetal outcomes if not addressed through informed, culturally sensitive approaches. Objective: To explore the nature, origin, and impact of pregnancy-related superstitions among women from different regions of Pakistan, and to identify the cultural, psychological, and societal factors that contribute to their persistence. Methods: This qualitative study employed a phenomenological design and purposive sampling to select eight pregnant women from five regions of Punjab: Pakpatan, Sahiwal, Okara, Haveli Lakha, and Faisalabad. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in private settings. The audio-recorded data were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Thematic categorization followed a structured approach, identifying core themes and sub-themes related to cultural beliefs, emotional responses, and social influences. Results: Four major themes and ten sub-themes were derived from the data. Among the eight participants (aged 18–40), 62.5% had only primary education, and 75% belonged to lower socioeconomic groups. Codes such as food taboos (n=11), fear and anxiety (n=10), and reliance on elders (n=8) were highly recurrent. Religious practices (n=4), generational differences (n=6), and lack of health literacy (n=6) also emerged as significant factors influencing beliefs. Most women preferred traditional advice over medical counsel due to emotional security, community pressure, and accessibility issues. Conclusion: Superstitious beliefs during pregnancy are deeply ingrained in Pakistani culture, influenced by family traditions, religious values, and socioeconomic limitations. To promote safe maternal health, healthcare strategies must integrate culturally respectful education, family-centered counseling, and collaboration with traditional influencers and medical professionals.