Pregnancy is a time of physical and emotional upheaval and brings with it joy, ambivalence, relief, excitement, and expectations. Adequate preparation for pregnancy and the parenting role is important for those embarking on the challenges of rearing and educating an infant.

This book explores through the literature and women's self-reports their experiences of pregnancy, birth, the postnatal period, and antenatal-parenthood classes. Verbal comments are provided. Topics include:

· Pregnancy as a social phenomenon

· The role of being a pregnant woman: stereotypes and images

· The importance of education for parenthood

· The importance of infant education

· What is effective parenting?

· Parenthood as crisis

· Medical and midwifery models of care

· Portrayal of pregnancy and childbirth in the media

· The advent of the electronic media: Internet and eHealth as major sources of information about pregnancy, birth, and parenthood

· The design and evaluation of parenthood programs and who has the responsibility to provide them