| [ Summary ] |
When we consider QOL of female hemodialysis patients, the problems of their menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth must be taken into account. We have conducted research into these issues by means of a questionnaire for female hemodialysis patients, ranging in age from twenties to their forties, who found it possible to become pregnant and give birth. The research material was designed to investigate the actual state of their pregnancies, deliveries and nursing, as well as psychological aspects of these processes. Eighty percent of the patients menstruate, but the pregnancy rate is extremely low. Seventy percent out of those in their twenties and forty percent out of those in their thirties were hoping to have children and wanted to receive detailed information on doing so. The results of the research patients who had given birth show the following. During pregnancy they had to be hospitalized for a long time and faced a great deal of difficulties, such as : the threat of abortion, daily hemodialysis, and the conflict between the hemodialysis routine and other nursing, lack of psychological stability, etc. Nevertheless, it is remarkable that their view of life changed drastically and became positive. The reason for this was the great pleasure the patients took in childcare and increased self-confidence caused by the process. They also experienced the relief from the feeling of guilt that hemodialysis patients feel at never being able to have children.
However, the successful childbirth and child-care cases among hemodialysis patients involve a high degree of risk. Therefore, if the patient is planning on pregnancy and delivery, she needs a strong will as co-operation and support from people around her. The decision to have a child must be carefully considered and made by the patient herself. Also, a network of patients with similar experiences has proven to be very helpful. |