title: Dynamics of families during the third trimester of pregnancy in southwest Finland.
abstract: Transition to a changed family structure during pregnancy brings into focus the family's dynamics. To describe these dynamics during the third trimester of a healthy pregnancy, the Family Dynamics Measure was administered to 136 mothers and 131 fathers in southwest Finland. Mothers and fathers reported differences in 4 of the 6 dimensions of family dynamics. Clearer communication was perceived by mothers of higher social status. Second-time parents perceived greater isolation and role conflict than first-time parents. Findings contribute cues for specific family guidance by nurses during the transition to parenthood regarding partner differences, parity and social status.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Science, University of Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hakulinen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paunonen
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third / Q000523:psychology*; D012380:Role; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires