Mothers’ Experiences With Pregnancy and Childbirth Following Pediatric Living Liver Transplant Donation: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Background: Half of pediatric living liver transplantation donors are mothers, including women of reproductive age. Reports on pregnancy and childbirth after living donor liver transplantation are limited to medical aspects, and mothers’ experiences remain unclear. We describe the experiences of women who became pregnant and gave birth after living donor liver transplantation. Methods: We used a qualitative descriptive approach. Eleven women who became pregnant and delivered following pediatric living liver transplant donation participated in face-to-face, in-depth interviews. Data collected via semi-structured interviews were assessed using an inductive qualitative analysis. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: Women's experiences with pregnancy and childbirth following pediatric living liver transplant donation were categorized as follows: explanation and consultation on pregnancy and childbirth after liver donation; physical and mental burden after liver donation; concern about the effects of donor surgery on pregnancy and childbirth; consideration for own body; concern about the physical condition of my child, who is the recipient; and the presence of health professionals with which to easily consult. Conclusion: After donation, mothers are physically burdened and experiences anxiety about the physical condition of the recipient as well as about pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, continuous psychosocial support is necessary.