The patient at 30 weeks' gestation with her first child is upset. She tells the prenatal clinic nurse that she is excited to become a mother, and has been thinking about what kind of parent she will be

Question

But her mother has told her that she doesn't want to be a grandmother because she doesn't feel old enough, while her husband has said that the pregnancy doesn't feel real to him yet, and he will become excited when the baby is actually here. What is the most likely explanation for what is happening within this family? 1. Her husband will not attach with this child and will not be a good father.
2. Her mother is rejecting the role of grandparent, and will not help out.
3. The patient is not progressing through the developmental tasks of pregnancy.
4. The family members are adjusting to the role change at their own paces.

Answer 1

4
Rationale 1: The husband's sentiment is quite common. Partners often feel that a pregnancy isn't real to them because they are not experiencing any of the physical changes associated with pregnancy.
Rationale 2: Adaptation to the role of grandparent is another life task that takes time. Younger grandparents often have busy and full lives, and view grandparenthood as a time for elderly people who are retired and slowed down.
Rationale 3: This is a false statement. The patient is at the stage of seeking acceptance of this child by others, which first will be her partner and other family members.
Rationale 4: This is a true statement. When the other family members are at different stages of adjustment to the pregnancy, conflict can ensue.