The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between expectations of first-time parenthood and ease of transition into the role of parent. Respondents voluntarily completed questionnaires during hospital pre-natal classes or natural childbirth classes; post-natal questionnaires were mailed to respondents six weeks after the birth of their child. Both the pre-natal expectations and the post-natal ease of transition were measured by a 34-item checklist which tapped both positive and negative aspects of parenthood. A hierarchial, step-wise regression procedure was employed in order to examine separately the effects of expectations and control variables. Pre-natal expectations, age and education exhibited significant relationships with ease of transition, while education was negatively related. Expectations of an experience appear to be a strong determinant of the perception of that experience. It was suggested that this might be due to the self-fulfilling prophecy or to an attitudinal component of anticipatory socialization. (Author)