Abstract

We designed this study to assess the use of the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life Direct Weighting survey to elucidate individual QoL characteristics of pregnant women hospitalized at a maternal–fetal intensive care unit and to suggest personalized care planning initiatives that balance medical treatment and QoL for these women. We interviewed 20 pregnant women in the MFICU of a general perinatal medical center using SEIQoL-DW to assess their perceived QoL. We qualitatively analyzed and categorized the factors affecting individual QoL of 20 participants selected from the SEIQoL-DW replies and quantitatively evaluated the levels of importance and satisfaction of each studied variable. The women identified that their extended families were a constituent of their QoL and had a greater impact than anticipated by care providers. QoL was negatively impacted by even small periods of lack of care. The recognition that hospitalization ensured the well-being of the fetuses majorly impacted QoL of expectant women. QoL was higher in women who were able to maintain certain levels of hygiene and in those entertained during hospitalization.