Abstract

Pregnancy provides a very public, visual confirmation of femininity. It is a time of rapid physical and psychological adjustment for women and is surrounded by stereotyping, taboos and social expectations. This book seeks to examine these popular attitudes towards pregnancy and to consider how they influence women's experiences of being pregnant. Researching Pregnancy offers a unique critique of socio-cultural constructions of pregnancy and the ways in which it is represented in contemporary culture, and examines the common myths which exist about diet, exercise and work in pregnancy, alongside notions of risk and media portrayals of pregnant women. Topics covered include: what pregnant women eat and why; how risk behaviours are defined from smoking to elective caesareans; legislation for maternity; cultural differences in women's experiences of being pregnant; and the medicalization of pregnancy and childbirth. Different theoretical standpoints are critically examined, including a medico-scientific model, feminist perspectives and bio-psycho-social and psychodynamic approaches.
ToC
Introduction. Cognition and Cognitive Dysfunction. Working and Employment. Dietary Change and Eating. Exercise and Activity. Pregnancy and Risk. Pregnancy Under Surveillance. Concluding Remarks. References/Bibliography. Index