Overview

Pregnancy can have a substantial impact on a woman’s life, and it is common for a woman to experience ambivalence about their pregnancy at different points in time, including pre-pregnancy, at the time the pregnancy is confirmed and during the period of time associated with decision making about the pregnancy.  Changes in partner relationships, financial instability, or deteriorating health can affect how women experience a pregnancy.  In addition to these factors, the perceived emotional stress and social norms and expectations associated with pregnancy can complicate decision making.

The purpose of this course is to help you consider what you might need to know as you work with women facing an unplanned/unintended pregnancy who are also coping with additional complex issues. At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

1)    Describe at least one potential cause of a woman’s ambivalence when facing an unplanned/unintended pregnancy;

2)    Name one thing hospital professionals and social workers can do to support a woman  experiencing ambivalence;

3)    List at least two considerations associated with relative (kinship adoption);

4)    Understand the importance of helping women facing complex issues to set priorities.