Psychological Adjustment / Education & Counseling Flashcards
Psychological Development
Pregnancy is a crisis; ends with birth
Transitional period; life pre- & post-baby
Women are emotionally labile ( hormones)
Women are vulnerable
Sequence of specific psych. processes
1st TM: Period of Adjustment
- Feelings of disbelief & ambivalence, even if planned
- Baby doesn’t seem “real”; rejection
- 1st TM discomforts (N/V)
- Weight gain significant issue
- Baby is a “secret”
- Libido usually decreases
2nd TM: Period of Radiant Health
- Free from discomforts
- Quickening occurs
- Very introspective
- Task: developing mothering identity
- Transition from care receiver to care-giver
- Can be guilt-producing
Can’t hide pregnancy - Libido increases
Sexual Activity Can Continue Throughout Pregnancy! Woo hoo! Yeah, baby,
yeah!
* don’t blow air into vagina - air embolism
3rd TM: Period of Watchful Waiting
- Eager for NB’s arrival
- Active, visible preparation for CB & parenthood
- Fears surface ( dreams : monster; misplacing baby)
- Anticipatory grief process ( loss of baby from body; loss of attention )
- Physically uncomfortable
- Libido decreases
Father of the Baby: The FOB
- Pregnancy also stressful
- Initial pride in virility; also many ambivalent feelings
- Must establish fatherhood role
- Easier if share pregnancy & delivery with partner
-
Couvade: identifies with woman’s pregnancy
- N/V, fatigue, weight gain
- Normal & temporary
Intimate Partner Violence
36% American women physically or sexually abused at some point
>300,000 incidences abuse during pregnancy each year
Abuse may begin or worsen in pregnancy ( breast, belly, genitals)
Abuse occurs across all races equally
Homicide leading cause of death for pregnant women
Intimate Partner Violence
All women should be screened at every prenatal visit
Cycle of violence:
1. Tension building (verbal or minor battery)
2. Acute battering (discharge of tension)
3. Reconcilliation (honeymoon) phase
Signs of abuse:
- Delay in seeking prenatal care
- Unexplained bruising to breasts or abdomen
- Continued use of harmful substances
- Reoccurring psychosomatic illnesses
- Lack of attendance at prenatal education classes
Intimate Partner Violence
Immediate effects on pregnancy:
- Blunt trauma to abdomen
- Placental abruption
- Uterine rupture
- Preterm labor
- Miscarriage/stillbirth
- Premature rupture of the membranes
- Effects in labor:
- Some studies suggest prolonged labor
- Can trigger significant reactions ( check cervix - no fingers in vagina)
Intimate Partner Violence
Barriers to getting help
- Embarrassment & shame
- Lack knowledge of $ & housing alternatives
- Fear of reprisal from partner & others
Local resources:
www.domesticviolencecenter.org
216-391-HELP
www.clevelandrapecrisis.org
216-619-6192
Ohio Domestic Violence Network www.odvn.org
800-934-9840
*if suspected - do not write number and give to woman ; She has to take initiative
Exercise in Pregnancy
- Start slowly; relax, stretch
-
Listen to body
- Signs of low O2 - can walk and talk at the same time - Comfortable clothing; supportive footwear
- Take breaks, drink water
- Don’t exercise in hot weather
- Avoid contact sports
- Joints are lax, center of gravity changes; increased risk for falls/injury
- Tone upper body & abdomen ( triceps)
- Avoid lying flat on back ( Vena Cava syndrome)
- Always “cool down”
- Eat a healthy diet
Travel During Pregnancy
- Always “buckle up”
- Lap belt low on abdomen
- Keep air bags turned on
- Hold on if walking in aisles
- Take short breaks & walks; keep blood circulating
- Limit travel time to 5-6 hours; have snacks
- Air travel usually allowed through 8th month
- Immunizations, disease risk, diarrheal diseases
- Access to care
