PREGNANT DOMESTIC WORKERS’ ANTENATAL HEALTH PROBLEMS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN

Abstract

This paper explores the problems faced by pregnant domestic workers in Islamabad. Primary data for this qualitative study was obtained through in-depth interviews with twenty respondents selected by applying a convenient sampling method (pregnant domestic workers) from December 2020 to February 2021. Drawing upon a constructivist epistemological standpoint, fieldwork began with some general questions regarding antenatal care. The data analysis, in keeping with the grounded theory approach, took place simultaneously. This procedure led to the emergence of new themes and inferences which were included in the interview guide for further interviews. The findings of the present research revealed that pregnant domestic workers, in addition to their pregnancy-related health problems, face multidimensional problems, including financial instability, low wages, lack of social support from family, sexual harassment at the workplace, and general health issues due to the hard and excessive nature of their work.