Pregnant Turkish Muslim Women’s Perspectives and Experiences on Religion and Spirituality during Pregnancy

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Yilmaz F. A., UZUNÇAKMAK T.

Journal of Religion and Health, 2025 (AHCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10943-025-02258-x
  • Journal Name: Journal of Religion and Health
  • Journal Indexes: Arts and Humanities Citation Index (AHCI), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, IBZ Online, Periodicals Index Online, ATLA Religion Database, CINAHL, Index Islamicus, Psycinfo
  • Keywords: Pregnancy, Religion, Spirituality
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Yozgat Bozok University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the views and experiences of pregnant Muslim women about religion and spirituality during pregnancy. A descriptive, phenomenological design was used, and the study was conducted with 16 pregnant Muslim women living in Türkiye. The thematic analysis method was used. The main themes created in the study were pregnant women’s motivation to have children, changes during pregnancy, faith and spirituality during pregnancy, support for the moment of birth, and motherhood. Pregnant women also need moral support in addition to routine practices and follow-ups during this difficult and distressing process. Religious practices provide psychological comfort for pregnant women in coping with the symptoms they experience and having a healthy birth and a healthy baby. Spiritual care should be given importance in raising health professionals and spirituality-based topics should be included in the education process.