Women’s perceptions of motherhood responsibilities in relation to childbearing intentions: a qualitative study

In recent decades, Iran has experienced a noticeable decline in fertility rates, raising growing concern among policymakers and public health experts. Women’s perceptions of the responsibilities associated with motherhood may shape how they consider childbearing; however, these perceptions are embedded within sociocultural, economic, and relational contexts. Understanding how women perceive and negotiate the responsibilities associated with motherhood is important for developing effective, context-sensitive fertility and family support policies. This study aimed to explore Iranian women’s perceptions of motherhood responsibilities and understand how these perceptions relate to their childbearing intentions. This qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis approach. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted between October 11, 2024, and June 2, 2025 with 48 married women aged 20–50 years from five provincial capitals of Iran (Tehran, Shiraz, Kerman, Isfahan, and Mazandaran). Participants were recruited through purposive sampling to achieve maximum variation in demographic and reproductive characteristics. Snowball sampling was also used as a supplementary strategy to identify additional eligible participants with diverse experiences. Referrals were considered only when the referred individuals met the predefined eligibility criteria and contributed to the desired variation in participants’ backgrounds and experiences. Interviews were conducted in Persian, audio-recorded with participants’ consent, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed inductively following the Graneheim and Lundman approach. Data collection continued until data saturation was achieved. MAXQDA 2022 software was used to support data management and analysis. Trustworthiness was assessed based on Lincoln and Guba’s criteria. Analysis of the data identified six main themes and twenty-four subthemes describing women’s perceptions of motherhood responsibilities and the broader circumstances they considered when discussing childbearing intentions. The central theme was perceived maternal responsibilities, which included emotional, physical, financial, domestic, and time-related demands. The other themes addressed sociocultural expectations, economic and structural circumstances, personal readiness and life planning, partner-related considerations, and knowledge, awareness, and access to information that participants discussed in relation to motherhood and childbearing. Women’s childbearing intentions are shaped by the interaction of personal, relational, sociocultural, and structural factors. Policies aimed at encouraging childbearing should go beyond pronatalist messaging and address women’s lived realities by improving economic security, supporting work–family balance, promoting gender equity, strengthening partner involvement, and improving access to counseling and childcare services.