DYNAMICS OF FAMILIES DURING THE 3RD-TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY IN SOUTHWEST FINLAND

Transition to a changed family structure during pregnancy brings into focus the family's dynamics. To describe these dynamics during the thi rd trimester of a healthy pregnancy, the Family Dynamics Measure was a dministered to 136 mothers and 131 fathers in southwest Finland. Mothe rs and fathers reported differences in 4 of the 6 dimensions of family dynamics. Clearer communication was perceived by mothers of higher so cial status. Second-time parents perceived greater isolation and role conflict than first-time parents. Findings contribute cues for specifi c family guidance by nurses during the transition to parenthood regard ing partner differences, parity and social status. (C) 1997 Elsevier S cience Ltd.