The relationship between prenatal expectations and postnatal attitudes among first-time mothers

Abstract

Thirty-one predominantly middle-class primiparous women attending Lamaze classes participated in this study. The purpose of the investigation was twofold. The primary objective involved exploration of the relationship between prenatal expectations of the maternal experience and postnatal attitudes among first-time mothers; while the secondary objective was to examine The Psychometric Qualities Of The Newly Constructed Prenatal Maternal Expectations Scale (Pmes). The Pmes Was Specifically Designed To Assess Prenatal Expectations Pertaining To The Following Subdo-Mains: (1) Characteristics Of The Baby And Child Care; (2) Degree Of Enjoyment Anticipated In Association With Mothering; (3) Expected Changes In The Woman's Significant Relationships Resulting From Becoming A Mother; (4) Anticipated Changes In Lifestyle Or Quality Of Life Associated With The Maternal Role; And Finally, (5) Projected Image Of Self As A Mother. The Postnatal Attitudes Of Interest In The Current Investigation Generally Relate To Satisfaction In Parenting, Emotional And Cognitive Connection To One's Infant, And Personal Adjustment To Parenting. A Curvilinear Relationship Was Hypothesized To Exist Between Prenatal Expectations And Postnatal Attitudes, Whereby Low And High Expectations Would Correlate With Negative Attitudes And Moderate Expectations Would Correlate With Positive Attitudes. This Relationship Was Not Confirmed By The Results And Potential Reasons For The Unexpected Findings Are Suggested. Nevertheless, A Strong Linear Relationship Between The Prenatal Expectation Measure (Pmes Scores) And The Postnatal Attitudinal Variable (Wpl-R Scores) Was Detected, Providing Validation For The Pmes. Practical And Research Implications Regarding The Linear Relationship Are Discussed.