This study conducted to explore the experiences of pregnant women with children under 24 months in Bunia town. The phenomenological method was used to carry out this study. Given the qualitative nature of this study, its sample was made up of 41 pregnant women with children under 24 months in Bunia town, selected intentionally and occasionally. Data was collected using semi-structured interview and analyzed through thematic analysis, supported by the development of a thematic framework.
After the analysis, the study revealed that the respondents reported having become pregnant before returning monthly period, but also, they did not use contraceptive methods. Furthermore, women had a lot of attachment to their infants. They showed love, affection, trust. However, other infants showed the sign of contempt to parents. The respondents showed good progress despite a difficult start. The reactions felt were illness, pain and weakness. They reported that they do not have a positive opinion on close pregnancy, although for some, close pregnancy was viewed positively. Despite their condition, they fulfilled their marital responsibility without problem. On the other hand, for those who did not fulfill this responsibility, the husbands understood their situation well. Finally, the respondents had mixed behavior, positive and sometimes negative towards their loved one.
Closely spaced pregnancy still remains common among Bunia town population and seems to be associated with a higher risk of certain complications (prematurity, low birth weight of the baby). There is therefore reason to develop new contextual awareness-raising strategies.