Applying the Symptom Management Theory to Explore Symptom Experiences of Late- Pregnancy Women: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Background Late pregnancy is a period of heightened physical and psychological demands, during which women frequently experience multiple, interacting symptoms. However, maternity care often pays insufficient attention to women’s subjective symptom experiences. Guided by the symptom experience component of Symptom Management Theory, this study aimed to explore how women perceive, evaluate, and respond to symptoms in late pregnancy. Methods A descriptive qualitative design was employed. Fifteen women in their third trimester were recruited from a tertiary maternity hospital in eastern China using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analysed using content analysis. Data collection and reporting followed the SRQR guidelines. Results Three themes were identified: (1) symptom perception, encompassing physical and emotional manifestations; (2) symptom evaluation, reflecting cascading physiological impact, functional limitations, and psychological strain; and (3) symptom response, including proactive management and avoidant coping strategies. Conclusions Women’s symptom experiences in late pregnancy are highly individualised and multifaceted. Attention should be directed not only to symptoms themselves but also to women’s interpretations and coping responses. Implications for practice Midwives and maternity care providers should integrate women’s lived symptom experiences into antenatal care planning. Culturally sensitive, person-centred approaches may enhance symptom management and promote maternal well-being in late pregnancy.