The Developmental Tasks of Pregnancy

A WRITTEN REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS OF PREGNANCY

Pregnancy is often viewed as a developmental stage having its own development developmental al tasks. Both the expectant expectant mother and father deal with significant significant changes and major psychosocial psychosocial adjustment. adjustment. The pregnant pregnant woma woman n prep prepar ares es for for her her new new role role thro throug ugh h ac acco comp mpli lish shme ment nt the the developmental tasks during this time to successfully incorporate the maternal maternal identity identity in her personality personality. Va Variatio riations ns in the description description of these tasks exist among authors or books. Four Major Developmental Tasks of Pregnancy According to Rubin (1984) 1. Safe Passage

Seekin Seek ing g sa safe fe pass passag age e for for hers hersel elff and and her her chil child d thro throug ugh h pregnancy pregnancy,, labor, labor, and delivery. delivery. The goal is to achieve a healthy pregnancy and an intact newborn with no detrimental effects to the mother. First trimester: trimester: The pregna pregnant nt woman woman concen concentra trates tes on her own well being and her pregnancy. She is concerned with what she eats and drinks. Second trimester: Fears about the baby and delivery appear. The pregnant woman is very aware of her responsibilities to protect the fetus and does this by adhering to different aspects of her prenatal care. Third trimester: trimester: The pregnant woman’s thoughts shift to mother and baby as a couple. She becomes increasingly uncomfortable and looks forward to delivery for relief. She will seek out role models and and expe experrt advic dvice e on the the best best way way to pro proce ceed ed throu hrough gh the the pregnancy and delivery and on parenting.

2. Acc Accept eptanc ance e by Othe Others rs Ensuring the acceptance by significant persons in her family and secondary groups of the child she bears. Rubin believes that this task is one of the most critical tasks for the pregnant woman. Relationships have to be adjusted and redefined in the family in

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order to create a place for the new baby. The mother also has to create a new identity for herself and build this identity into her life. Throughout the pregnancy, pregnancy , her family and especially her partner beco become me the the moti motiva vati tion onal al forc force e behi behind nd her her desi desire re to beco become me successful as a mother. To succeed, the mother becomes aware of the sacrifices that will be made. If she has other children, she will have to assist them in adapting to the th e growing family. family. Nursing Nursing Consideratio Consideration: n: Listen Listen to woman’ woman’s s concer concerns ns and offer offer assistance when applicable, in a non-judgmental manner. manner. 3. Bind Binding ing in to the Chi Child ld Binding-in to her unknown baby refers to establishment of a bond between mother and baby. First trimester: The woman focuses on herself and maintaining the pregnancy. Second trimester: Once fetal movement is felt, the fetus becomes real and she begins to feel there’s a significance in working to meet the the chal challe leng nges es of beco becomi ming ng a moth mother er.. The The fetu fetus s beco become mes s an independent person and all of the mother’s being is directed toward the newborn’s safe arrival. 4. Giv Giving ing of One Onesel self f Lear Learni ning ng to give give of hers hersel elff. Preg Pregna nanc ncy y crea create tes s phys physic ical al changes as well as lifestyle changes. This prepares the mother for learning to put baby's needs above her own. The communication of appreciative approval from the partner, family and friends help the woman woman to endure endure the changes changes and discom discomfor forts ts of the pregnant pregnant body. Nursing Consideration: Answer questions and provide guidance to reinforce the importance of the sacrifices that must be made to achieve a successful pregnancy and healthy family.



Psychological Adaptation to Pregnancy: Developmental Tasks (White, 2004) These tasks are met in order; however, however, rate at which they are met may vary. 1st trimester: Pregnancy ValidationValidation- Accepting the pregnancy Even when the pregnancy is planned, there are normal feelings of ambi ambiva vale lenc nce e and and disb disbel elie ieff abou aboutt the the preg pregna nanc ncy y. Ma Many ny wome women n beco become me intr intros ospe pect ctiv ive e or have have mood mood swin swings gs ca caus use e by ho horm rmon one e fluctuations. 2nd trimester: Fetal EmbodimentEmbodiment- Accepting the baby This occurs as the mother incorporates the growing fetus into her body image. The physical changes she is experiencing, especially the growing uterus, help her meet this task. Self-involvement, depression, or regressive behavior may be signs of difficulty difficul ty in meeting this task. Fetal Distinction- Accepting the baby as a separate person When fetal movement is felt, it becomes easier for the mother to think of the fetus as a separate being. She may daydream about what the baby will be like and think about the kind of mother shewants to be. 3rd trimester: Role Transition –Preparing –Preparing for parenthood; Nesting This includes parents exploring together the meaning of fathering and mothering, learning parenting skills, the amazing skills of newborn for interactions, and the physical maturing and behavioral changes of the first 12 months of life. At the end of pregnancy, pregnancy, many mothers experience a surge of energy and to see to it that the entire household is organized for the coming infant. This is called nesting. nesting. References:



http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/mch/HOMEcurriculum/chp7/chp7.html#5c

The Developmental Tasks of Pregnancy

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