Developmental Tasks of Pregnancy

Acceptance of Pregnancy

General Characteristics

Depending on the woman's age, tasks may include acceptance and comfort with body image, development, of a personal value system, adjustment to an adult identity, and internalization of sexual role and identity. Other tasks include acceptance of pregnancy's termination at the time of the delivery and the maternal role, and resolution of fears about childbirth and bonding. The woman's partner also achieves these same developmental tasks.

First trimester: Acceptance of the Pregnancy

• Pregnancy confirmation may leave some couples with disbelief, shick, or amazement;
• The woman and her partner must learn to accept the reality of the pregnancy;
• Most couples experience some degree of ambivalence;
• Feeling the fetus move or seeing the fetus on an ultrasound can help the couple achieve acceptance; and
• In accepting the pregnancy, the partner also accepts the woma as she undergoes he changes associated with pregnancy.

Second Trimester: Acceptance of the Baby

• The woman and her partner work to accept the baby;
• Acceptance of the baby refers to acknowledgement that the fetus is a distinct individual, separate from another;
• Feeling the fetus move or hearing its heart beat demonstrates that the fetus is an active being;
• Anticipatory role playing, for example with the woman or partner imagining the type of parent she or he will be, may occur;
• The woman and her partner begin active preparations for the baby; and
• The partner may feel left out with all the information being focused on the woman and fetus; time is needed to ensure that the partner is given the information and support required.

Third Trimester: Preparation for Parenthood

• The couple work on preparing to become parents;
• The couple begin to demonstrate "nesting" behavior, such as preparing the baby's room, shopping for necessary baby items, and discussing names;
• The couple may attend the childbirth education classes; and
• The couple may review relationships with their own parents and engage in role-playing and fantasizing about being a parent.