- Oxford Library of Psychology
- Oxford Library of Psychology
- Oxford Library of Psychology
- About the Editor
- Contributors
- Introduction: The Unique Importance of Perinatal Psychology
- Psychological, Behavioral, and Cognitive Changes During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Biological Changes During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Relationship and Sexual Functioning During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Fetal and Infant Neurobehavioral Development: Basic Processes and Environmental Influences
- Attachment: Theory and Classification
- Depression During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Anxiety and Stress During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Panic Attacks During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Obsessions and Compulsions During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Posttraumatic Stress During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Drug Dependence During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Severe Psychopathology During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Body Image Disturbance During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Biomarkers of Perinatal Psychopathology
- Maternal Stress During Pregnancy and Infant and Child Outcome
- Maternal Psychopathology and Child Attachment
- Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis of Mood and Anxiety Disorders During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Psychotherapy for Psychopathology During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Adaptations of Psychotherapy for Psychopathology During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Psychopharmacology in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Perinatal Depression
- Nonprofessional Resources for Pregnant and Postpartum Women
- Prevention of Postpartum Psychopathology
- Understanding and Treating the Psychosocial Consequences of Pregnancy Loss
- Understanding and Treating the Psychosocial Consequences of Infertility
- Understanding and Treating the Psychosocial Consequences of Pregnancy Complications and the Birth of a High-Risk Infant
- Perinatal Experiences of Adolescent Mothers
- Perinatal Experiences of Low-Income and Incarcerated Women
- Perinatal Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People
- Cross-Cultural Differences in Adjustment to Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Perinatal Psychology: A Field with an Impressive Past and an Exciting Future
- Index
Abstract and Keywords
Becoming pregnant and giving birth can lead to considerable psychological, behavioral, and cognitive transformation. The nature and scope of change varies a great deal from woman to woman. This chapter summarizes qualitative and quantitative research on normal psychological adaptation to pregnancy, including recognition and acceptance of the pregnant state, experience of the boundary between self and fetus, and body image changes. It reviews research on internal representations of the fetus and fetal and neonatal attachment. Perinatal changes in stress reactivity and coping style are reviewed. The chapter explains the influence of women’s prenatal expectations about labor and delivery on subsequent experiences and reactions and describes normative postpartum mood reactivity. Perinatal effects on sleep, physical activity, sexual activity, and eating patterns are described. Controversies about the effects of pregnancy on cognition are examined. The chapter also covers topics related to the transition to motherhood, including influences on maternal self-esteem and self-efficacy.
Keywords: perinatal, adaptation to pregnancy, postpartum blues, maternal self-efficacy, maternal self-esteem, physical activity, sleep, stress
Laura J. Miller, MD, Medical Director of Women's Mental Health, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital
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- Oxford Library of Psychology
- Oxford Library of Psychology
- Oxford Library of Psychology
- About the Editor
- Contributors
- Introduction: The Unique Importance of Perinatal Psychology
- Psychological, Behavioral, and Cognitive Changes During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Biological Changes During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Relationship and Sexual Functioning During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Fetal and Infant Neurobehavioral Development: Basic Processes and Environmental Influences
- Attachment: Theory and Classification
- Depression During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Anxiety and Stress During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Panic Attacks During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Obsessions and Compulsions During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Posttraumatic Stress During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Drug Dependence During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Severe Psychopathology During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Body Image Disturbance During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Biomarkers of Perinatal Psychopathology
- Maternal Stress During Pregnancy and Infant and Child Outcome
- Maternal Psychopathology and Child Attachment
- Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis of Mood and Anxiety Disorders During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Psychotherapy for Psychopathology During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Adaptations of Psychotherapy for Psychopathology During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Psychopharmacology in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Perinatal Depression
- Nonprofessional Resources for Pregnant and Postpartum Women
- Prevention of Postpartum Psychopathology
- Understanding and Treating the Psychosocial Consequences of Pregnancy Loss
- Understanding and Treating the Psychosocial Consequences of Infertility
- Understanding and Treating the Psychosocial Consequences of Pregnancy Complications and the Birth of a High-Risk Infant
- Perinatal Experiences of Adolescent Mothers
- Perinatal Experiences of Low-Income and Incarcerated Women
- Perinatal Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People
- Cross-Cultural Differences in Adjustment to Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Perinatal Psychology: A Field with an Impressive Past and an Exciting Future
- Index
