Collected data from first 100 subjects in on-going longitudinal study of drug use before and during pregnancy in adolescence. Findings from unmarried pregnant adolescents revealed that, although lifetime prevalence of drug use was relatively high, substance use declined voluntarily and substantially during pregnancy. Prepregnancy drug use…

Assessed sexuality attitudes of black middle-class sample (N=124) concerning communication regarding sexuality information, adolescent contraception, adolescent pregnancy, nonmarital intercourse, responsibility for contraception and pregnancy, abortion, pornography, and masturbation. Results suggest that participants were well-informed, moderate,…

Used data from National Longitudinal Survey of Labor Market Experience of Youth to examine relationship between whether or not women wanted to become pregnant with first child, and their subsequent maternal behaviors and infant's birth weight. Being Black or younger was associated with below-average levels of pregnancy wantedness; living in urban…

Explored differences between 35 women who had abortions as teenagers and 36 women who had abortions as adults. Respondents reported on their premorbid psychiatric histories, the decision-making process itself, and postabortion distress symptoms. Antisocial and paranoid personality disorders, drug abuse, and psychotic delusions were significantly…

Conducted 2 studies to explore prevalence of adolescence pregnancy in Guatemala and identify level of contraception. In first study found 89 percent of male and 38 percent of female adolescents (N=850) had experienced coitus. In the second study found pregnancy rate of minors (N=551) in a gynecology clinic was highest for adolescents aged 13-14.…

This review emphasizes research that confirms or questions established practices regarding maternal and infant nutrition. Controversial issues include weight gain and use of vitamins and mineral supplements during pregnancy and the effects of second-hand smoke. Infant nutrition topics include use of unmodified cow's milk, level of fat, and…

Comments on two recent articles in "Family Relations" on the effectiveness of abstinence-only pregnancy prevention programs. Focuses on several methodological and analytical aspects of the articles and challenges authors' conclusion based primarily on their evaluation of one project, that abstinence-based prevention programs do not work. (NB)

Examined gender differences in bereavement following miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Interviewed 56 couples using Perinatal Grief Scale. Women scored significantly higher than men on most dimensions of grief at two months, one year, and two years postloss, except on dimension indicating most serious consequences of…

Assessed effects of violated parenting expectations on adjustment to parenthood among 473 married women. Interviewed women during final trimester of first pregnancy and at one-year postbirth. Found women expected things to be better at one year than they actually were. Discrepancies significantly affected ease of adjustment to motherhood.…

Describes fetal development patterns within the framework of concurrent separateness from and oneness with the mother. Touches on the infant developmental stages along the way to becoming a wholly separate being. (HTH)

Reviews prenatal and postnatal methods of gestational age estimation and evaluates implementation of this information in research. Recommendations concerning the assignment of gestational age in the perinatal period and the use of age correction for preterm infants are offered. (Author/BC)

Compared life events of 23 pregnant and 23 nonpregnant adolescents. Pregnancy of sister of close friend, increased number of arguments between parents, change in parents' financial status, and trouble with brother or sister were reported by 50% or more of total sample. Pregnant group reported changing to new school more frequently than did…

Assesses the evidence for revisionist views of teenage childbearing. These theories suggest that the perception of teenage pregnancy as a growing social problem has been caused by the political agendas of certain interest groups; the consequences of early childbearing have been exaggerated; and pregnancy among disadvantaged teenagers may be an…

Discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's recent indication of willingness to accept state restrictions on a woman's right to abortion. Presents several key reasons why parental involvement should not be legally required for minors' abortions, and suggests that family practitioners are in an excellent position to inform the public and policymakers about…

Results from a study of 75 pregnant women suggest that previous pregnancy experience does not substantially alter women's knowledge of appropriate pregnancy-related health practices. Implications for the design of curricula and delivery of prenatal education services are briefly outlined. (IAH)