The psychology of pregnancy

Abstract

Physical and mental events are closely interwoven and pregnancy is a time of rapid development in both. Alterations in hormones, physical shape and growth occur at the same time as attitudes and expectations, both of the pregnant woman and of others towards her, are changing. The progress of a pregnancy is affected to some degree by the mother’s remembrance of things past, by her perception of herself as a pregnant woman, by the attitude and behaviour of others towards her, and by her anticipation of the outcome of the pregnancy. These factors have, in the main, been moulded by her experience with her own parents, her family and the wider culture of which she is a part. Midwifery training and education are by tradition concerned with physical ‘things’ and yet sheer’survival of mother and child can, in the developed countries, almost be taken for granted. There has been a great improvement over the last two decades in the recognition of psychological needs during labour and the postnatal period. The presence of fathers in the labour ward, discussion and choice of analgesia, information about the progress of labour and encouragement of the woman to maintain an active part in the delivery are no longer exceptional. Close contact between mother and baby postnatally and, indeed, involvement of the whole family are also generally encouraged. These have come about as a result of research and/or public demand.