Title: The experiences of anticipatory grief in informal caregivers spouses in palliative care: a qualitative study Background: In palliative care, caring for spouses suffering from incurable diseases in can provoke a range of reactions in informal carers that are part of the grieving process, as well as other reactions and ways of coping with an existing role, which are often challenging. Anticipatory grief is a grief that occurs before death and is often present in people who face the eventual loss of a loved one or their own death. Aim: The aim of the study was to gain insight into the experiences of anticipatory grief and what helps caregivers in providing palliative care to their spouse. Methods: Qualitative research was conducted. Participants in the study were informal caregivers of a spouse suffering from an incurable disease with a certain fatal outcome. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Transcripts were coded and analyzed by interpretive phenomenological analysis. Results: A total of 8 participants took part in the study. The analysis provided descriptions of the emotional, cognitive, and spiritual experiences of anticipatory mourning. Seeking support, working on themselves and being actively committed to care are the ways caregivers try to cope with their situation. Conclusion: Anticipatory grief presents emotional, cognitive, and spiritual challenges to spouse caregivers in palliative care. The experiences are generally similar to all carers, but the support and help they need from palliative care is certainly something that needs improvement.