Objective: To systematically explore the pro-
cesses operating within the experience of women un-
dergoing 2nd-trimester pregnancy interruption for fe-
tal anomalies.
Design: Phenomenology was used to conduct
the study and analyze audiotaped interviews.
Setting: Informants were recruited through a
private perinatal practice providing prenatal diag-
nosis and management to women experiencing high-
risk pregnancies at an urban tertiary care center in
the Pacific Northwest.
Participants: Three women who had under-
gone pregnancy interruption for fetal anomalies in
the 2nd trimester.
Results: The experience of women undergoing
2nd trimester pregnancy interruption can be de-
scribed as “one day you’re pregnant and one day
you’re not.” This summarizes the changes involved
in the transition from being a pregnant woman with
hopes for the infant and the future to a woman deal-
ing with a loss of innocence. This transition can be
described in two intertwined processes entitled ”The
Hardest Thing We Ever Did” and “Saying Hello and
Good bye.”
Conclusions: The decision to interrupt an ab-
normal pregnancy is a profound experience that per-
meates all areas of a woman‘s life. Interventions spe-
cific to this type of loss are suggested. Future research
is recommended, using a larger sample size to elab-
orate on concepts identified in this pilot study.
JOG”, 26,559-566; 1997.