The experience of becoming a mother following successful in vitro fertilization: A grounded theory

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AIM: To develop a theory to explain women's experiences about becoming a mother following successful in vitro fertilization treatment. DESIGN: This study is a qualitative study based on a constructivist grounded theory approach. METHODS: Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide initially that was later to be changed to a flexible interview guide between June 2018 and 2019. Interviews were conducted with 18 women, who became pregnant and mothers following successful in vitro fertilization treatment. Data collection and analysis were performed in a cyclic manner using open, axial and selective coding. This study was reported based on consolidated criteria and was used to report qualitative research data. FINDINGS: The core category, 'non-spontaneous path to motherhood', involved the following four categories: 'the treatment process is exhausting', 'leaving the infertility world', 'pregnancy under the shadow of fear' and 'getting stuck between fertile and infertile worlds' with 10 sub-categories. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insight into experiences of these women about becoming a mother. Unlike the Becoming a Mother Theory, it can be said that the anticipation stage, the first stage in the Becoming a Mother Theory, begins at the moment of embryo transfer in these women. Furthermore, the personal stage, the final stage in the Becoming a Mother Theory, is not completed within the first year after birth, even women were found to conceal experiences of in vitro fertilization treatment from the social environment even after birth. IMPACT: This study will provide potential support for obstetric healthcare professionals in better understanding women's experiences about becoming a mother following successful in vitro fertilization treatment.