Shift, spark, unfolding: a qualitative life course perspective on the transition surrounding unexpected pregnancy in a Dutch urban setting

While pregnancy intentions are increasingly recognised as complex and dynamic, unexpected pregnancies are often studied cross-sectionally, and a life course perspective is lacking. This study aimed to explore the salient themes and patterns in 1) the life course trajectories of individuals experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and 2) the transition surrounding an unexpected pregnancy. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 22 individuals (15 women and 7 men) experiencing unexpected pregnancies. Two interviews were held: during pregnancy and six months after childbirth. The respondents' life course trajectories were mapped using visual timelines and the transition was explored using Schlossberg's transition theory. Interviews were thematically analysed in an iterative process: applying open coding to three interviews followed by thematic coding and comparison of themes within and across life course trajectories. Life course trajectories varied considerably, distinguished by the absence or presence of critical life events, with patterns characterised by clustering life events within the domains of family, mental health or frequent residential mobility. The transition process of unexpected pregnancy was characterised by three patterns of adjustment - shift (instant adjustment), spark (triggered adjustment) and unfolding (ambiguous adjustment) - in which respectively, all life course trajectories, trajectories with clustering of life events and mainly stable trajectories were present. This study contributes to the literature through the unfolding pattern, showing that adjustment to unexpected pregnancy may be an ambiguous process that is not finished when the baby has arrived, especially if individuals have strong aspirations in light of a relatively stable life course.