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The topic of prenatal psychology
ČEPČÁNYOVÁ, Magdalena
The focus of this thesis is the topic of prenatal psychology. The thesis is divided into two parts, theoretical and practical. The theoretical part deals with prenatal development, which is described week per week. It then focuses on the basis of prenatal psychology, including the history of this field and leading figures who participated in its development. The next chapter deals with pregnancy and the impact it could have on the prenatal child. In this chapter I present the levels of communication between mother and child and their interaction. In the last chapter I mention the role of the midwife in prenatal psychology. I focus on the educational and counseling role of the midwife. The first part is concluded with primary prevention and its methods in prenatal psychology. The practical part of the thesis focuses on the communication between mother and prenatal child, and the changes in communication before and after birth. For the research I determined two goals. The first goal was to find out the difference between communication with a prenatal child and a child after birth from the mother's perspective. The second goal was to find out whether it is easier for women to communicate with the child before or after birth. Four research questions were defined based on the goals. For my research I chose a qualitative approach using the method of deep interviews. The research sample was composed of five women, who were interviewed once during pregnancy and once after birth. The research was conducted at the risk pregnancy ward and the puerperium ward of the České Budějovice hospital. Data from the research were processed using qualitative analysis. The research showed how mothers communicate with the prenatal child, and the main differences perceived between communication with the prenatal and postnatal child. I found out that women communicate with children mainly by physical contact as well as verbally, by talking to the child. The women said that it is easier for them to communicate with child after birth than in pregnancy. It was easier for them to recognize the feelings and needs of the child, which during pregnancy they could only guess. I asked the women about the methods they use to communicate with their prenatal child, and whether the child replies in some way to their communication. Women often quoted that they communicate by touching their belly and talking to the child. All the women stated that the child replies to their communication. Only one woman wasn't sure about the child's reactions and one woman said that it depends on the intensity of the impulses. As a reaction, women stated an increase of the child's movements and its higher intensity or on the other hand calming of the child. In context of movement, I wondered how women sense the movements, how they feel when the child is moving inside of them. The women described movement of the child as something wonderful. They felt joy and calmness the knowing that the child is safe. Sensitive and caring mother-child communication and their relationship are important for correct development of the child not only in the prenatal period, but also in later life. It is important for women and their families to realize that their behavior towards the child in the uterus will be reflected in the child?s behavior towards the world. Professor Fedor-Freybergh quotes that optimizing prenatal life could lead to better health and a contribution towards to civilized, friendly and peaceful living. The topic of prenatal psychology has recently become more often discussed. The attention of the public is starting to focus on prenatal psychology. In its conclusion, my thesis is recommended for use in seminars or lectures for the professional and general public. Another possibility is publication in a specialist journal. The thesis may also serve to students of midwifery or to midwives who would like to acquire new knowledge of prenatal psychology.
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