Pregnancy as a Psychological Event

and why pregnant ladies are so nice…

Mother-Body Interactions in the Mother-to-be

• Shifts in body image, changes in hormones, and attitude toward cultural pressures and expectations.

• Planned or unplanned pregnancy

• Stress, negative & positive thoughts, nausea and vomiting

• Financial Burdens

First-Trimester

• Sudden emotional swings

• Heightened stress & anxiety*

• Ambivalence

Second-Trimester

• Lighter mood

• Foetal movement

• Increased dependence on partner

• Self-conscience

Third-Trimester

• Increased anxiety & concern about labour

• Reaction to deferential treatment

• Labour & Braxton Hicks

• Need for emotional reassurance

Extra Reading:

• Dreams During Pregnancy

• Psychological Changes During Pregnancy

• PubMed

• Braxton Hicks

• Mood Swings & Hormones