A Process Model of the Pregnancy Course

Abstract

A phase model describing the course of the woman''s 1st pregnancy is proposed. In complementing the dominant treatments of pregnancy within medical and clinical domains, a more extended view of pregnancy as both a biological and psychosocial process is outlined. The pregnancy course is considered an integral segment within the woman''s full life course, both dependent on and influencing other segments. Four ideal phase types are distinguished: a disruption phase of radical change, an adaptation phase of readjustment, a centering phase in which the task of production is central, and a final phase of anticipation of birth and preparation for the expected child. Within each phase 3 levels of description are separated: a biological, psychological and social level. Special attention is given to the mutual interaction among levels, along with the effects of preceding conditions on the phases of pregnancy. Implications of the present model for research and application are considered.