Taegyo and Lived Religion: Exploring Spiritual Practices in Prenatal Care Among Korean Immigrants

This qualitative study investigates the experiences of Korean immigrants with taegyo (“prenatal education”), targeting 30 participants and focusing on 'lived religion.' Taegyo, a traditional Korean prenatal practice influenced by spiritual and cultural beliefs, reflects a unique blend of Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Christianity. Through in-depth interviews, this study aims to understand how Korean immigrants integrate these spiritual practices into their prenatal care within the U.S. cultural context. Data will be analyzed using modified grounded theory to underline the importance of integrating immigrant experiences and spiritual practices into healthcare, promoting more inclusive and culturally sensitive care. This investigation contributes to the broader understanding of the intersection between spirituality, immigration, health, and lived religion. The study highlights the importance of recognizing patients' lived religion to provide optimal reproductive care for immigrant populations of color.