Adaptation to pregnancy in three different ethnic groups: Latin-American, African-American, and Anglo-American.

Interview assessments on adaptation to pregnancy were made of Latin-American (N = 30), African-American (N = 34), and Anglo-American (N = 30) women in the latter half of their pregnancy. Most subjects were 18-27 years old, single, had 12 years or less education, and had a parity of 0 or 1. Psychosocial measures of adaptation to pregnancy included Acceptance of Pregnancy, Identification with Motherhood Role, Relationship with Mother and with Husband/Partner, and Preparation for Labour. Data were analyzed using chi-square for group differences. The results indicate that in all 3 groups pregnancy was unplanned but wanted. African Americans least often anticipated life changes as a result of pregnancy, cited fewest aspects of pregnancy that were gratifying to them, and least often chose to stay home with their infant. Most women in all ethnic groups reflected on their role as mother, but Latin Americans most often indicated that they wanted to be like their own mother and that they consulted with their mother about pregnancy and parenting. African Americans least often anticipated domestic help from their partner and most often expected help from other family members. Regarding intimate relationships with husband/partner, for all groups sexual intercourse decreased during pregnancy. Anglo-Americans reported the least number of problems/discomforts with intercourse, Latin Americans the most. Anglo-Americans most often found alternative methods of sexually satisfying their partner, African Americans least often. The results of this exploratory study have significance for differences in the delivery of health care to the 3 ethnic groups and warrant further research.