Premji, ShahiroseKing Rosario, Melanie2016-04-182016-04-1820162016King Rosario, M. (2016). Pregnancy-Related Anxiety in Mwanza, Tanzania: a Qualitative Approach (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/27412http://hdl.handle.net/11023/2893Pregnancy-related anxiety is defined as fears and worries related to the health of the woman, the baby, the pregnancy, and delivery; it is a strong determinant of preterm birth and other maternal and infant outcomes. There is limited research on the mental health of pregnant women residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and little exploration into women’s experiences of pregnancy-related anxiety. In this descriptive phenomenological study, ten pregnant and postpartum women participated in semi-structured interviews. Following Colaizzi’s method of analysis, the essence of the women’s experience was described. The findings revealed a state of worry and concern, often causing physical symptoms, and disrupting personal sense of peace. Major themes included: fear for survival of self and child; lack of knowledge about pregnancy, symptoms, and side effects; spirituality and acceptance. Personal relationships, interactions with the healthcare system, and peer support also played an important role in the participants’ experiences.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Mental HealthNursingObstetrics and GynecologyPublic HealthPregnancyMental HealthqualitativephenomenologyanxietyNursingmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/27412