Primigravid and Multigravid Women: Prenatal Perspectives

Abstract

A paucity of prenatal data is available concerning prenatal experiences of primigravid women compared with those of multigravid women. Therefore, the objectives of this study were twofold: to compare prenatal personal (demographic and other descriptive elements, including self-esteem) and psychosocial variables (maternal-fetal attachment, marital satisfaction) and to describe perceived pregnancy experiences for both primigravid and multigravid women. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a descriptive mixed-methods design. The data were part of a larger, longitudinal study focused on adjustment to parenthood in military and civilian couples. Married pregnant women who resided on the east and west coasts of the United States were recruited from prenatal care facilities. Participants included 50 pregnant primigravid and 50 multigravid married women recruited during the last trimester of a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy. The main outcome measures included personal and psychosocial variables (demographics, self-esteem, maternal-fetal attachment, marital satisfaction) and perceived pregnancy experiences. Multigravid women had significantly lower levels of maternal-fetal attachment (p < .00) and marital satisfaction (p < .00) than did primigravid women during their third trimester of pregnancy. The pregnant women's responses clearly reveal that unique and distinct differences exist between the needs of primigravid women and those of multigravid women. Innovative prenatal educational interventions tailored to meet the distinct needs of primigravid and multigravid women are suggested.

The effectiveness of a structured nursing intervention program on maternal stress and ability among mothers of premature infants in a neonatal intensive care unit

“…The information provided would have assisted mothers to reduce stress. Furthermore, first‐time mothers were found to be more anticipatory of role changing compared to mothers who already have a child at home (Nichols, Roux, & Harris, ).…”

Vinculação da gestante e apego materno fetal

“…Esse resultado é compatível com estudos de revisão, como o de Alhusen (2008) Embora todas as gestantes tenham apresentado bom nível de AMF, as primíparas revelaram um AMF mais alto quando comparadas às mulheres que já tinham outros filhos. Esse dado é confirmado pela literatura, que aponta que as diferenças entre primíparas e multíparas estão ligadas a uma maior expectativa das primeiras em relação ao nascimento do bebê (Mercer & Ferketich, 1994;Nichols, Roux, & Harris, 2007). Do mesmo modo, o grau de escolaridade da gestante influenciou de forma positiva o AMF, sugerindo que o fator educacional pode ser importante para a promoção do apego entre a mãe e seu feto.…”

Predictors of Maternal Fetal Attachment among Pregnant Women

“…This finding is similar to the results of two other studies. First: Nichols MR et al(2007) (27) who had conducted a study in USA titled "Primigravid and multigravid women: prenatal perspectives". They demonstrated that multigravida women have lower levels of maternal fetal attachment than the primigravidas .…”