Psychological Changes of Pregnancy

A woman’s attitude toward a pregnancy depends a great deal on psychological aspects: The environment in which she was raised The messages about pregnancy her family communicated to her as a child

Slide 4:

The society and culture in which she lives as an adult Whether the pregnancy came at a good time in her life

Mother’s Reactions :

Mother’s Reactions Initial reaction includes wide range of emotions May be surprised, pleased, disturbed, disappointed, frightened There is element of surprise in every pregnancy As the pregnancy progresses they must reach an acceptance

Slide 6:

Social Influences Cultural Influences Family Influences

Social Influences :

Social Influences

Slide 8:

In the past: The pregnancy was conveyed as a 9-month-long illness The pregnant woman went alone to a physician’s office for care Today: Our society view pregnancy as a time of health Women bring their families for prenatal care

Slide 9:

In the past: At the time of birth, she was separated from her family and admitted to a hospital She was hospitalized in seclusion from visitors and even from the new baby for a week afterward Today: Instead of general anesthetics to “sleep through” labor and birth, they are urged to actively participate in the experience Birthing rooms and family-centered care helped involved families in childbirth

Slide 10:

The couple’s outlook about pregnancy and childbirth are affected by: Their cultural background Their personal experiences Experiences of friends and relatives Current public philosophy of childbirth

Slide 11:

People’s opinion about the following have changed: Adolescent pregnancy “Late in life” pregnancy Lesbian pregnancy

Slide 12:

Nurses can make pregnancy and childbirth more enjoyable for clients and their families by: Informing women about their new health care options Continuing to work with other health care providers to “demedicalize” childbirth

Cultural Influences :

Cultural Influences

Slide 14:

Psychological changes and associated behaviors are triggered not only by uterine enlargement and hormone levels, but also by the woman's culture Certain cultural beliefs and taboos may place restrictions on a woman’s behavior and activities regarding her pregnancy

Slide 15:

During prenatal visit, ask the woman and her partner if there is anything they believe that should or should not be done to make the pregnancy successful and keep the baby healthy.

Slide 16:

Examples: Lifting your arms over your head during pregnancy will cause the cord to twist. Watching a lunar eclipse will cause birth deformities

Slide 17:

Listen to such “tell tales” to show respect for the person’s beliefs, but encourage the woman to ask her health care provider to find out if there is any substance to them.

Family Influences :

Family Influences

Positive Influence :

Positive Influence Woman and her siblings were loved and seen as a pleasant outcome of a happy marriage Pregnancy is natural and simple  Positive attitude toward her pregnancy

Negative Influence :

Negative Influence Woman and her siblings were seen as intruders or were blamed for the break-up of a marriage Excruciating pain and endless suffering in labor “If you hadn’t come along: I could have had gone to college.” I could have had a career.”

Slide 21:

 View pregnancy as a disaster

Slide 22:

‘People love as they have been loved.’ To mother her baby well, she should be able to feel pleasurable anticipation at the prospect of rearing a child

Slide 23:

Becoming a mother is a second adjustment above and beyond being pregnant The mother who views mothering as a positive activity is more likely to be pleased when she becomes pregnant than one who devalues mothering

Mother’s Emotional Responses :

Mother’s Emotional Responses Narcissistic response is an early reaction Extroversion, glowing behavior is common Difficulty staying focused Emotional mood swings Husbands need to be forewarned about these changes to expect in wife

Steps in Preparing for Motherhood :

Steps in Preparing for Motherhood Mimicry and role-playing Association with other pregnant women or new mothers Spend time with own mother Identifies parenting role she wants to mimic

Slide 26:

Fantasy--How will it be to be a mother Grief work--giving up her current lifestyle as life will never again be the same

Hindrances associated with a mothering breakdown :

Hindrances associated with a mothering breakdown Multiple births Children born within 10--12 months apart Moving

Slide 28:

Loss of security (job/illness of self or family) Loss of husband/ or infant’s father Previous loss of a child

Father’s Reaction to Pregnancy :

Father’s Reaction to Pregnancy Acceptance is also his major developmental task to be achieved Need preparation for the changes that will take place for his wife Narcissistic or self-centered response of mother may be misunderstood May feel “left out”

Slide 30:

May have feelings of jealousy His childhood background will also influence his preparation Needs to also identify a role-model or parenting style he wants to mimic Preparation also includes fantasy and grief work

Concerns of Fathers :

Concerns of Fathers Breadwinner--most are still primarily concerned with the financial obligations Protective and supportive role Symptoms of pregnancy often are felt by dads

Effects of Pregnancy to Other Children :

Effects of Pregnancy to Other Children Most parents agree children will need some warning Effects of the pregnancy may occur early for the children Mood swings of Mom and unpredictable response to behavior Physical changes in the home

The Unwed Pregnant Patient :

The Unwed Pregnant Patient Overall birth rate is decreasing, but for the teen-age mother under age 15, it is rising

Slide 34:

Teens are more prone to complications than older mothers Infant mortality is higher as well Often may have a problem with acceptance of the pregnancy and seek to hide it

Teen-age Mothers :

Teen-age Mothers Often the first major decision is to tell the parents of the pregnancy There may be an initial reaction of anger, disappointment and even grief After parents have time to adapt and accept the pregnancy, they can be the teen-age mother’s best ally

Options facing the teen-age Mother :

Options facing the teen-age Mother Stay in school is the first option to be stressed Marriage may be considered Abortion--may feel initial relief, and then guilt and depression Adoption Single-parenting

Slide 38:

A baby is something You carry inside you for nine months, In your arms for three years, And in your heart till the day you die. -Anonymous (A Mother)

THANK YOU!Have a nice day. :

THANK YOU!Have a nice day.