Non-comparability and unplannability as material topoi in antenatal care conversations

Abstract

Objective

This paper studies argumentation and its function to establish common ground in pregnancy counseling conversations during the third trimester of the pregnancy, focusing on two material topoi: Non-comparability and Unplannability.

Methods

We take a conversation-analytical and interactional approach and draw on 37 natural occurring counseling conversations, videorecorded during two periods at a university hospital. The conversations are typically between the midwife and the pregnant woman. The data has been transcribed using the system GAT 2.

Results

The analysis shows on the one hand that argumentation functions as a process through which common ground can be established. The participants develop the topoi collaboratively, thereby also mitigating open dissensus. On the other hand the study shows the challenge during the conversations to prepare for an event while at the same time stressing that it remains non-comparable to past experiences and escapes planning.

Discussion

Our analysis shows that non-comparability and unplannability as material topoi are closely connected and established by way of co-construction.

Practice implications

We suggest that the tension of (un-)plannability is something midwives should be made aware of in order to be able to use it deliberately during the conversations by including authentic conversational data into communication training sessions.