Pregnancy is often described as a transformative experience, and for first-time mothers, this transformation extends beyond physical changes. It encompasses significant cognitive, emotional, and social shifts that redefine one’s sense of self. A recent study by Kelsey Perrykkad, Rebecca O’Neill, and Sharna D. Jamadar sheds light on how first-time pregnancy (primigravida) alters self-concept clarity, body representation, agency, and self-efficacy, providing new insights into the intricate interplay between the physiological and psychological facets of motherhood.
Pregnancy and the Self: A New Lens
Throughout life, our understanding of “self” evolves in response to experiences and changing environments. Pregnancy is one of the most profound transformative periods, often likened to adolescence in its magnitude of change—a concept referred to as matrescence. As the body accommodates a growing fetus, the brain also adapts, processing new roles, expectations, and sensations.
The study highlights that first-time pregnancy is associated with changes in how women perceive their bodies, their sense of agency, and their confidence in their abilities. These findings emphasize that pregnancy is not just a biological event but a deeply psychological and social one.
Key Findings on Self-Transformation in Pregnancy
1. Body Representation: Agency and Estrangement
One of the study’s significant revelations is the heightened sense of body agency and estrangement during pregnancy. Participants reported increased feelings of pride, attractiveness, and competence in their bodies, especially during the second trimester, reflecting a period of adaptation and empowerment. However, they also experienced a sense of estrangement—a feeling of reduced control or ownership over their bodies—as they adjusted to the physical changes of pregnancy.
Body visibility, another dimension explored, was notably higher among pregnant participants. This refers to the increased social attention directed at pregnant women, which can feel intrusive or affirming, depending on the individual’s context.
2. Sense of Agency
Agency—the feeling of control over one’s actions and their outcomes—was found to fluctuate throughout pregnancy. The study observed higher negative agency (feeling out of control) in the first trimester compared to non-pregnant women. This may stem from the overwhelming physical and hormonal changes that characterize early pregnancy, alongside uncertainties about its progression.
By the second trimester, a recovery in agency was evident, with women reporting a stronger sense of control and confidence in navigating their pregnancy. This shift aligns with a decrease in common early pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness, and growing excitement about impending motherhood.
3. General Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to achieve goals—was another area of focus. While evidence for differences between pregnant and non-pregnant groups was inconclusive, exploratory findings suggested a boost in self-efficacy during the second trimester. This period, often called the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy, is marked by a sense of stability and optimism, which may enhance a mother’s confidence in her ability to handle upcoming challenges.
4. Self-Learning and Cognitive Processes
Interestingly, the study found that pregnant participants exhibited poorer accuracy in tasks requiring the learning of new self-related associations, particularly in the first and third trimesters. This suggests that cognitive processes related to self-learning may temporarily adapt or slow as the brain prioritizes other demands, such as preparing for parenthood.
Trimester-Specific Trends in Self-Transformation
The study provides valuable insights into how these changes vary across trimesters:
- First Trimester: Characterized by heightened feelings of negative agency and disrupted cognitive processes. Women often feel a lack of control as they navigate the physical and emotional upheaval of early pregnancy.
- Second Trimester: A period of recovery and consolidation. Women reported greater body agency, self-efficacy, and a sense of control, reflecting increased adaptation to the changes of pregnancy.
- Third Trimester: While body estrangement and visibility persisted, there was a return to some baseline measures of self-concept clarity and learning processes. The focus shifts toward preparing for childbirth and the imminent transition to motherhood.
The Importance of Understanding Self in Pregnancy
These findings have profound implications for maternal health and well-being. Recognizing that pregnancy involves more than physical changes can help healthcare providers offer better support to expectant mothers. For instance:
- Emotional and Psychological Support: The feelings of estrangement and negative agency in the first trimester highlight the need for mental health support early in pregnancy.
- Empowering Education: Providing resources and education about the changes in body representation and self-efficacy can empower women to embrace their evolving identities.
- Social Connection: Encouraging connections with other mothers can help reduce feelings of isolation and enhance a sense of belonging, particularly during the early stages of matrescence.
Future Directions: Exploring Postpartum Self-Transformation
The study’s findings also open the door to exploring how the self continues to evolve postpartum. The transition to motherhood involves further shifts in identity, as women balance new roles and responsibilities. Understanding these changes can shed light on postpartum mental health and inform strategies to support women through this critical phase.
Supporting expectant mothers through the psychological and physical transformations of pregnancy requires a holistic approach. The London Pregnancy Clinic, a leader in maternal health, recognizes the profound changes women experience during this journey. With personalized antenatal care, the clinic offers services that not only focus on physical health but also provide emotional support and resources to help women navigate their evolving sense of self.
The clinic’s offerings include:
- Comprehensive Ultrasound Services: Early pregnancy scans to provide reassurance and address concerns during the critical first trimester.
- Antenatal Counseling: Helping women prepare for the mental and emotional shifts of pregnancy.
- Educational Resources: Workshops and digital tools tailored to the changing needs of first-time mothers, including strategies to build confidence and self-efficacy.
- Holistic Care: A supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of both mother and baby, ensuring that women feel empowered throughout their pregnancy.
By addressing both the clinical and emotional aspects of pregnancy, London Pregnancy Clinic is redefining what it means to support maternal health, ensuring that every mother feels prepared and supported through this transformative phase.
Conclusion: A New Understanding of the Maternal Journey
First-time pregnancy is a journey of profound self-transformation, where cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions intertwine with physical changes. By delving into the intricacies of body representation, agency, and self-efficacy, this study offers a richer understanding of what it means to become a mother.
Acknowledging these shifts is essential for providing holistic care to pregnant women, ensuring they feel supported not just physically but emotionally and psychologically. As we continue to unravel the complexities of matrescence, we move closer to a world where motherhood is celebrated and supported in all its dimensions.