Being a Mother in the Shadow of the Earthquake: A Grounded Theory of Maternal Experiences of Earthquake‐Affected Women

BACKGROUND: Understanding earthquake effects on pregnancy and motherhood can guide protective measures. This study aims to explore maternal experiences of women affected by earthquakes to guide responsive healthcare systems. METHODS: The classic Straussian-grounded theory method was used. Participants were 14 maternal women affected by the February 6 earthquake. They were interviewed online from September 2023 to June 2024 using semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using a systematic, inductive approach with constant comparative methods and three-stage coding, ensuring rigor. RESULTS: The core category was 'Becoming a Mother in the Shadow of the Earthquake.' Women reported "losses shaping the maternal journey," including basic needs, safety, materials, and moral values. As "being a mother during disaster," motherhood involved fragmented experiences, psychological disruption with depression, hypervigilance, and post-traumatic evolution with increased confidence. "Resources needed for resilience" comprised support, maternal strength, trauma-informed care, and coping methods. They described "systematic inadequacies in post-disaster recovery," emphasizing healthcare services to address maternal needs and provide outreach. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the earthquake impact on maternal women and the necessary healthcare services. Healthcare services must organize psychological support providing on-site care, create community networks, and build personnel capacity for resilience-building and trauma-informed care, which understands vulnerable situations of women. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: It is not necessaary. Because, it was designed as grounded theory.