Young single women's experiences of pregnancy, adjustment, decision-making and ongoing identity construction.
OBJECTIVE
To explore young pregnant women's experiences of embodiment, ongoing identity construction, decision-making processes and the way in which these are influenced by contemporary discourse, information sources and interaction with health professionals and others.


METHODS
An exploratory descriptive pilot study. Data were collected via diaries kept during pregnancy, two face-to-face, open-ended interviews, one in the second trimester of pregnancy and one six to eight weeks after the birth of the baby, and a brief telephone interview conducted six months post birth.


METHODS
A major metropolitan hospital for women in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and the community.


METHODS
Five English speaking participants, aged between 17 and 23 years.


RESULTS
All the young women accepted, even welcomed, the physical changes of pregnancy. Acceptance of pregnancy and an evolving positive sense of identity was assisted by support from families, particularly mothers, access to sympathetic and expert health professionals, exposure to a range of opinions through classes, books and the media, general acceptance from society at large, support from friends, and choices and opportunities in relation to ongoing education and employment.
Seibold
Carmel
C
School of Nursing, Australian Catholic University, St. Patrick's Campus, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, 3065, Australia. c.seibold@patrick.acu.edu.au
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D008880:Midwifery / Q000592:standards; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014739:Victoria; D016387:Women's Health