Throughout a patient’s pregnancy, her emotional reactions have been described as ambivalence, fear and anxiety, introversion or narcissism, and uncertainty.

These feelings predominate at different periods of the pregnancy; other tends to fade in and out as the pregnancy progresses.

a. Ambivalence. This refers to the patient’s simultaneous attraction for and against the pregnancy. The negative response to the pregnancy does not mean that she doesn’t want the baby. She may simply have doubts as to whether she will be a good parent, wonder if she is ready for a baby, how a new baby will affect her family and her lifestyle, and so forth. This is not to say that she doesn’t feel good about the pregnancy. Even though she may be doubtful in some ways, she may be experiencing joy and excitement as well as happiness and anticipation.

b. Fear and Anxiety. This refers to the patient being concerned for her own health and the health of her baby.

c. Introversion or Narcissism. The patient becomes concerned for herself. She may be preoccupied with her own thoughts and feelings.

d. Uncertainty. Before the patient can accept the fact that she is pregnant, she must ask herself “Am I really pregnant?” This may last until a positive diagnosis of pregnancy is confirmed by a physician. “Quickening” is usually a big milestone in the process of accepting the pregnancy.