Kuwaiti women’s perception of social support in pregnancy: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a significant event in a woman's life. However, it also presents challenges due to physiological and psychological stress and changes in appearance, roles, and lifestyle. Lack of social support is recognized as a risk factor affecting pregnant women's well-being. In this study, we aim to investigate Kuwaiti women's perceptions of social support (emotional, instrumental, and informational) during pregnancy and lifestyle changes and whether cultural factors influence their perception. METHODS: This cross-sectional qualitative study of 31 Kuwaiti pregnant women utilized a constructivist approach to emphasize participants' active role in knowledge construction, acknowledging the influence that social and cultural factors have on their narratives. We chose reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) due to its capacity to offer comprehensive analysis and reveal hidden themes. The semi-structured interview collected data on lifestyle changes and the types of social support women experienced during pregnancy (emotional, instrumental, and informational). RESULTS: RTA revealed three main themes and two subthemes. The first theme, 'The Female Community as a Double-Edged Sword,' encompasses two subthemes: the sense of belonging and connection and the pressure to be perfect, in connection with Kuwaiti social norms. The second theme highlights the impact of traditional gender and family roles on women's pregnancy experiences, limiting support. The third theme focuses on the importance of the marital relationship in providing stability, security, love, and support during pregnancy. However, many women expressed dissatisfaction with their husbands' lack of understanding and emotional support during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: This research fills gaps in the existing literature, providing valuable cultural insights and advocating for context-specific support measures in the Gulf region, paving the way for further exploration in this field.