Working fulltime throughout pregnancy - The Norwegian women's perspectives. A qualitative approach

Objectivethe purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of aspects that influence healthy women's ability to work fulltime throughout the pregnancy, considering women's experiences and individual perspectives, as well as understanding health resources available to them.Design/Settinga qualitative approach was selected for the data collection, and the data presented is derived from in-depth interviews. Ten pregnant Norwegian women with uncomplicated pregnancies, aged 24-40, working fulltime throughout their pregnancies with no sick leave, were interviewed during pregnancy week 37-39. All participants had their regular check-ups at six local public health clinics. The transcribed interviews were analysed through systematic text condensation.Findingsthe findings included two main themes: Supporting environment and having a positive mindset. Feeling good about oneself and feeling appreciated at work provided these women with the supporting environment they needed. All the respondents had coped with different challenges that they found important when working throughout their pregnancies while facing the difficulties of a pregnancy. They emphasised that their positive attitude and coping skills contributed to normalising the pregnancy and motivated them to go to work.Conclusionshaving a positive mindset and a balanced perspective on the pregnancy and bodily changes are important factors in being able to work throughout pregnancy. Support, in various arenas, might positively influence pregnant women´s positive mindset, having a favourable effect on their health resources and ability to continue working when bearing children.