Abstract

GUIDUGLI, Simone Niklis; HERZBERG, Eliana; ISMAEL, Silvia Cury  and  PEDRA, Simone Fontes. Emotional impact and defense mechanisms in the TAT of pregnant women with heart disease fetuses. Rev. SBPH [online]. 2015, vol.18, n.2, pp. 89-110. ISSN 1516-0858.

The heart is perceived as a vital organ that is full of symbolism. In pregnancy, women's questions/insecurities regarding the perfection of the heart of the fetus and confirmation of fetal diagnosis of heart disease can cause major emotional impact, bringing emotional fragility and other difficulties. Objective: To identify emotional repercussions and frequently used defense mechanisms on women pregnant with fetuses bearing heart defects, based on the analysis of the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). Method: qualitative research. Application of cards 1, 7MF and 16 of TAT in four women carrying fetuses affected by heart diseases. Analysis of the stories was based on Hirsch's (1981/2009). Results: conflicts associated with maternity, pregnancy and the four participants' relations with the mother figure. On card 16 (all autobiographical stories), need for approval, support and comfort; immaturity regarding current pregnancy and anguish of death related to the birth of the baby, predominated. Prevalent defense mechanisms were regression, rationalization and idealization. Conclusion: There are important emotional repercussions and defense mechanisms in fetal cardiac diagnostic situation, hence the importance of psychological support throughout pregnancy and childbirth, assisting in the emotional support of this population to experience pregnancy and follow the baby's treatment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Keywords : pregnancy; fetal diagnosis; malformation; cardiac surgery; TAT.

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