Transition to parenthood in elderly primiparas

Abstract

Primiparous women 35 years of age or older (n = 36) and primiparous women age 31 or less (n = 31) were tested at 6 months and 1 year post partum. The subjects had been followed from 3 months of pregnancy. In the postpartum period the 2 groups continued to demonstrate significantly different role orientation with the older group being less traditional with a more autonomous personality style. Significantly more of the older group had returned to full-time work by 1 year post partum. Both groups indicated a significant decrease in marital intimacy, but an increase in marital satisfaction. Both groups reported a marked decrease post partum in symptoms as measured on the Symptom Checklist. The older women tended to show good adjustment during pregnancy and throughout the first year of motherhood.