From Wanting a Child to Childbirth

This paper reviews theories of the psychodynamics of normally experienced pregnancy and wish for a child. It is based on a synthesis drawn from bibliographical and electronic research (MEDLINE, PSYclit). Results show that pregnancy is a period of crisis involving deep psychological and somatic changes. Authors relate the wish for a child to genital libido, narcissistic gratification, identification to the reproductive maternal function, feminine ego ideal or yet as a means to consolate castration phantasies. As in all human crises conflicts from past stages of development are relived, as are those of past pregnancies. The possibility of finding an issue to partially or inadequately resolved conflicts is reviewed. The wish for a child and the period of gestation should become a part of the psychodynamic evaluation of women.