EMOTIONAL /

PSYCHOLOGICA
L ADAPTATIONS
IN PRE
FACTORS INFLUENCING A WOMAN’S RESPONSE TO PREGNANCY

Memories of her own childhood

Cultural background
Socio-economic conditions
Perceptions of maternal role
Coping mechanisms
Knowledge of pregnancy changes
1st Trimester:
Establish an acceptance of Pregnancy
1. no tangible s/sx
2. feeling of surprise, ambivalence

(existence of 2 opposing feelings),

emotional lability or mood swings,
money worries, body image changes.
3. Focusing on self
4. Denial: a sign of maladaptation to

pregnancy
1st Trimester:
Establish an acceptance of Pregnancy
5. developmental task ;to
accept the biological facts of
pregnancy. “ I AM PREGNANT”
6. Health teaching/focus:

bodily changes, personal

hygiene & nutrition
 2ND TRIMESTER:
CONTINUATION OF PREGNANCY
1. with tangible s/sx
2. Role identification &

heightened sense of time

3. mother identifies fetus as

a separate entity due to

quickening.
2ND TRIMESTER: CONTINUATION
OF PREGNANCY
4. Mother begins to fantisize the
appearance of the baby
5. Developmental Task: To accept

the growing fetus as a baby to be

nurtured. “ I AM GOING TO HAVE A
BABY”
6. Health teaching/focus: G&D of

the fetus
 3RD TRIMESTER:
PREPARATION FOR SEPARATION OF THE BABY
 1. Mother has personal identification
of the appearance of the baby
 2.Mother has fears due to enlarged

abdomen. Allow her to hear FHT.

 3. L &D are on the mother’s mind;

safe passage for herself the newborn

 4. Nesting behaviors: Busy days &

restless nights
 3RD TRIMESTER:
PREPARATION FOR SEPARATION OF THE BABY
 5. Father prepares for birth and his
environment
 6. Developmental Task: To prepare for

birth and parenting of the child. “ I AM

GOING TO BE A MOTHER”
 7. Health teaching/focus: RP, best

time to prepare for baby layette,

shopping & buying baby’s cloths,
Lamaze classes may also be offered.