lifespan psychology
Interview 1 - Prenatal

Erica is a 28 year old female who is expecting her second child on March 24, 2015. Erica currently resides in New Ulm, MN. She currently has a son that is 18 months old and is looking forward to meeting her new addition. I conducted this interview in her home on March 1, 2015. The total time of interview was roughly 30 minutes.

1. How/when did you confirm your pregnancy?
2. Can you describe how your pregnancy has gone?
3. Do you know the gender of baby? If so what is the gender?
4. What differences have you noticed with this pregnancy compared to your first?
5. Do you have any concerns with this pregnancy?
6. Do you have a birth plan as to what environment you will deliver your child (home, hospital, birth center)?
7. Can you describe your prenatal care?
8. Is the baby active or how often do you feel the fetal activity?
9. What dietary changes, if any, did you make during this pregnancy?
10. Did you experience any health concerns of your own during the pregnancy?
11. Did elect to do any prenatal screenings such as ultrasounds, trisomy testing, etc.?
12. Have you used any alcohol, tobacco or drugs?

1. Q: How/when did you confirm your pregnancy?
A: I don’t recall the exact date, but I remember feeling differently during the couple weeks prior to taking a pregnancy test. I was still breastfeeding my son at the time so I was not having a regular menstrual cycle. The day I took the home pregnancy test, I got up for work as usual and thought, “I’m just going to check if I’m pregnant” (absolutely not expecting to be) because I still had a home pregnancy test from the first pregnancy. The test needs some time to activate, so I showered and got ready for work as usual, and when I glanced at the test, it showed I was pregnant. The first thing I did was went and woke up my husband and told him the news. I waited a few weeks to schedule my first doctor’s appointment, where my pregnancy was confirmed by lab tests and we determined the due date.
2. Q: Can you describe how your pregnancy has gone?
A: The pregnancy has been OK. I started out having “morning” sickness in the first trimester and have had some more nausea the last couple weeks. Generally, I would get sick in the morning after waking up and in the evening after dinner. I just don’t think my body likes being pregnant. I don’t feel like I get the glow that most women say they get during pregnancy. I’m ready to meet the baby and to not be pregnant for a while.

3. Q: Do you know the gender of baby? If so what?
A: We found out the gender of the baby at our 20 week ultrasound. We are having a baby girl and we are excited to have both a boy and a girl.

4. Q: What differences have you noticed with this pregnancy compared to your first?
A: During this pregnancy I have definitely noticed changes in how I’m carrying the baby. My belly is not quite as big this time, or I feel that way at least, but I weigh the same amount as this stage with the first pregnancy. I’m also having a more difficult time sleeping and getting comfortable as I think this baby is sitting right on my bladder.

5. Q: Do you have any concerns with this pregnancy?
A: Do you mean aside from raising two young kids? We did have some markers in a blood test for potential Trisomy complications which was scary. Also, my first baby was very large (10lbs) so the thought of having another large baby makes me a little nervous as well. Otherwise, I have had a very active baby and I had no major complications or health concerns.

6. Q: Do you have a birth plan as to what environment you will deliver your child (home, hospital, birth center)?
A: Like my first child, we plan to deliver at the New Ulm Medical Center. They have an updated birthing unit that is very nice. We stay in the same room throughout the labor and afterwards. My primary doctor delivers the baby. I love that I don’t have to worry about doctoring with whoever is on call because I’m