Women's perceptions of their important dyadic relationships during pregnancy

This study examined women's perceptions of important relationships during pregnancy. Fourteen women were interviewed at approximately monthly intervals from the third through the last month of their pregnancies. During these interviews, each woman (a) identified relationships which were important to her; (b) described each important relationship as either changing or stable; and (c) evaluated each important relationship as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Study results indicate that the women identified important relationships with their husbands, children, parental figures, and peers. Important relationships were described as more changing than stable throughout pregnancy. These relationships were experienced, over all, as more satisfactory than unsatisfactory. An analysis of the perceived satisfactory and unsatisfactory relationships reveals the woman's expectations for important relationships and indicates major considerations for the acceptance and accommodation process. The woman's expectations for her important relationships indicate the presence of two major systems of relationships within her social space. Each of these systems is characterized by a dominant function. One system of relationships has as its primary function, differentiation; the other, support. Within the differentiation system, the woman helps important others to reorganize for the addition of the expected baby to the family system. Within the supportive system, the pregnant woman is the recipient of the nurturing and caring actions of others. The interplay between these interdependent systems reflects the workings of the task of accommodation and acceptance.