First-time pregnancy : a journey into the psychological experiences of the first 12 weeks : a thesis submitted to Auckland University of Technology in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science (MHSc), 2011 / Amanda H. Smith ; supervisors: Sonja Goedeke, Charmaine Bright.

Adjustment to pregnancy can vary significantly (Handley, 2006). Even when pregnancy is planned, the process of adapting to such a life-changing event is often difficult, and women may struggle to feel as though their pregnancy is legitimate (Handley, 2006). Previous local and international research...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Smith, Amanda H. (Author)
Corporate Author: AUT University. Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences
Format: Ethesis
Language:English
Subjects:
Online Access:Click here to access this resource online

MARC

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040 |a ATU  |b eng  |c ATU  |e rda 
082 0 4 |a 155.6463  |2 23 
100 1 |a Smith, Amanda H.  |q (Amanda Helen),  |e author. 
245 1 0 |a First-time pregnancy :  |b a journey into the psychological experiences of the first 12 weeks : a thesis submitted to Auckland University of Technology in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science (MHSc), 2011 /  |c Amanda H. Smith ; supervisors: Sonja Goedeke, Charmaine Bright. 
264 0 |c [2011] 
300 |a 1 online resource 
336 |a text  |b txt  |2 rdacontent 
337 |a computer  |b c  |2 rdamedia 
338 |a online resource  |b cr  |2 rdacarrier 
347 |a PDF  |c 1.256 Mb  |3 Whole thesis 
502 |a Thesis  |b MHSc  |c AUT University  |d 2011. 
504 |a Includes bibliographical references. 
516 |a Text (PDF file (149 pages, 1.256 Mb)) 
520 3 |a Adjustment to pregnancy can vary significantly (Handley, 2006). Even when pregnancy is planned, the process of adapting to such a life-changing event is often difficult, and women may struggle to feel as though their pregnancy is legitimate (Handley, 2006). Previous local and international research related to first-time motherhood is largely quantitative with a focus on the postnatal period, with little attention paid to the experiences of the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (Swallow, Lindow, Masson & Hay, 2004, Barnett, 2010). This study explores the experiences of the first 12 weeks of pregnancy for first-time mothers, through the use of narrative interviews. Transcripts were analysed for themes that emerged from the data. The analytical process was approached using an inductive stance of not knowing, and was guided by Crossley's (2000) six step method to analyzing personal narratives. The findings from this study indicated that the pregnancy journey can begin prior to conception, and that first-time mothers may require psychological support throughout the process of trying to conceive. During the first 12 weeks, they may also benefit from the opportunity to experience tangible appraisals as well as support around identity change. The opportunity to ask questions and obtain pregnancy-related information from healthcare professionals might also support a more positive pregnancy experience and address some of the difficulties associated with such change. Furthermore, psychological screening tools are not being used throughout antenatal care, which seems to be the ideal opportunity for screening and prevention as most pregnant women are in regular contact with health care professionals (Dennis & Ross, 2006). Even if a first-time mother does not meet the criteria for anxiety or depression during pregnancy, the screening process may provide an opportunity to discuss less distressing pregnancy related concerns, which may prevent psychological issues from developing and lead to a more positive pregnancy experience. Future study recommendations include: the investigation of a larger scale study with wider demographics, the exploration of the psychological experiences of men/partners involved, and the outlook and experiences of healthcare professionals working in the field of pregnancy. As more research is conducted, it is hoped that an increased understanding of the first-12 weeks of pregnancy will promote a more positive psychological adaptation into the pregnancy journey. 
520 8 |a Author supplied keywords: Pregnancy; Narrative inquiry. 
530 |a Also held in print ( leaves : illustrations ; 30 cm) in storage, box 113 
650 0 |a Pregnancy  |x Psychological aspects.  |9 322670 
700 1 |a Goedeke, Sonja,  |e degree supervisor.  |9 1050509 
700 1 |a Bright, Charmaine,  |e degree supervisor. 
710 2 |a AUT University.  |b Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences.  |9 249588 
710 2 |a AUT University  |e degree granting institution.  |9 353924 
856 4 0 |u http://hdl.handle.net/10292/4537  |z Click here to access this resource online 
907 |a .b27837580  |b 20-08-20  |c 27-02-20 
942 |c ET 
998 |a none  |b 27-02-20  |c m  |d s   |e -  |f eng  |g nz   |h 0 
999 |c 1542584  |d 1542584 
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