3. Becoming a Parent

Question 1

What percentage of pregnancies are unplanned?

Answer 1

45%

1/3 of births in England are unplanned or ambivalent (Public Health England, 2018)

Question 2

What are the potential impacts of ‘unwanted’ children?

Answer 2

• Risk of problems and disorders (e.g. attachment) * Lower birthweight * Mental and physical health issues * Lower performance in cognitive tests

Question 3

What is the impact of becoming a parent on marital relationships?

Answer 3

It can cause stress, role changes, and decreased marital satisfaction

Question 4

Define teratogens.

Answer 4

Any substance or factor that disturbs the normal development of a foetus and causes birth defects

Question 5

What is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Answer 5

A permanent birth defect caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy, affecting growth, facial features, and brain development

Question 6

What is the Barker Hypothesis?

Answer 6

Events during early development in the womb and immediately after birth impact the risk of developing adult diseases

Question 7

What are some examples of infections dangerous during pregnancy?

Answer 7

• Rubella * Zika virus * STIs * HIV

Question 8

How does smoking during pregnancy affect the foetus?

Answer 8

Foetus receives nicotine and carbon monoxide, leading to low birth weight, premature birth, and complications

Question 9

What is the Thrifty Phenotype Hypothesis?

Answer 9

Adaptation in the womb can be maladaptive when exposed to a nutrient-rich environment later in life

Question 10

What are the psychological effects of becoming a parent?

Answer 10

Increased risk of mental health problems, such as post-natal depression, stress, and anxiety

Question 11

What is colic in infants?

Answer 11

Bouts of inconsolable crying for hours with no known cause

Question 12

What are some reported positives of raising children?

Answer 12

• Increased feelings of meaning and purpose * Greater overall happiness * Positive emotions and well-being

Question 13

What is the impact of postpartum depression on mother-infant interactions?

Answer 13

Less sensitivity, warmth, and emotional engagement; infants display less responsiveness

Question 14

What factors can contribute to parental burnout?

Answer 14

• Emotional and physical exhaustion * Feeling inadequate as a parent * Decreased sense of accomplishment

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The financial cost of raising a child to 18 is approximately ______ for a couple.

Answer 15

[£260,000]

Question 16

What is the role of psychological interventions in parenting?

Answer 16

To manage difficult conception, pregnancy, and parenting situations

Question 17

True or False: Parents report higher levels of happiness compared to non-parents.

Answer 17

True, but the relationship is moderated by gender.

Question 18

What is the impact of hyperemesis gravidarum on later psychological outcomes?

Answer 18

Linked to increased risk of psychological and behavioral disorders in adulthood

Question 19

What are common lifestyle factors contributing to infertility?

Answer 19

• Delaying having children * High stress * Smoking and alcohol consumption

Question 20

What is the impact of maternal smoking on pregnancy outcomes?

Answer 20

Low birth weight, premature births, and increased complications

Question 21

What is the significance of the bond with the baby in the womb?

Answer 21

It predicts attachment outside of the womb

Question 22

What is the impact of financial stress on parenting?

Answer 22

Contributes to mental health problems and relationship difficulties

Question 23

What are the implications of the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement?

Answer 23

Promotes childlessness due to overpopulation concerns

Question 24

What is the success rate range for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)?

Answer 24

10-28% for IVF

Question 25

How can prenatal interventions improve outcomes?

Answer 25

By protecting the nutrition of women before and during pregnancy

Question 26

What is one of the psychological impacts of difficult infants on parents?

Answer 26

Increased post-partum depressive symptoms

Question 27

What percentage of women in England smoked during pregnancy?

Answer 27

7.4% (NHS, 2024)

Question 28

What are the long-term implications of early maternal depression on infants?

Answer 28

Increased risk of behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and physical development issues

Question 29

Fill in the blank: One in _____ new and expectant mums have mental health problems.

Answer 29

[5]

Question 30

What is the impact of maternal identity change post-birth?

Answer 30

Decline in identification as a lover/partner and decreased marital satisfaction

Question 31

What is the financial implication of childcare on families?

Answer 31

Childcare makes up 60% of lifetime costs for raising a child

Question 32

What does the CBSM Programme aim to reduce?

Answer 32

Parental burnout through cognitive behavioral stress management

Question 33

What is hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)?

Answer 33

A severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to complications ## Footnote HG can result in malnutrition and dehydration, impacting both maternal and fetal health.

Question 34

What psychological risks are associated with prenatal exposure to hyperemesis gravidarum?

Answer 34

Increased risk of psychological and behavioral disorders in adulthood ## Footnote Adults exposed to HG in utero had a 38% incidence of disorders compared to 15% in non-exposed adults.

Question 35

How does parenthood affect the well-being of fathers compared to mothers?

Answer 35

Fathers report greater happiness and life satisfaction than mothers ## Footnote Fathers also reported fewer depressive symptoms than men without children.

Question 36

What factors contribute to the gender differences in parental well-being?

Answer 36

Unequal divisions of labour in childcare and household responsibilities ## Footnote Mothers typically shoulder more responsibilities, leading to more daily hassles.

Question 37

What is the purpose of the cognitive behavioural stress management (CBSM) program for parents?

Answer 37

To prevent and reduce parental burnout ## Footnote The program showed significant reduction in burnout and maintained benefits for at least three months.

Question 38

What are the physical needs of children that parents must meet?

Answer 38

Food, hygiene, warmth, shelter, security ## Footnote These are essential for a child's basic survival and development.

Question 39

What emotional needs do children have?

Answer 39

Love, support, protection, emotional regulation ## Footnote Meeting these needs is crucial for a child's mental health and security.

Question 40

List the developmental needs of children.

Answer 40

* Language * Education * Play * Experiential learning ## Footnote These needs help foster cognitive and social development.

Question 41

What are the six fundamental tasks of parenting according to Holden (2010)?

Answer 41

* Ensuring Safety and Sustenance * Stimulating and Instructing * Monitoring and Surveillance * Structuring and Providing Routines * Supporting and Responding * Socializing and Guiding ## Footnote Each task plays a critical role in a child's overall development.

Question 42

What is the significance of monitoring and surveillance in parenting?

Answer 42

To ensure the child's well-being while allowing appropriate autonomy ## Footnote This balance helps children develop independence safely.

Question 43

Fill in the blank: The CBSM program's effectiveness was mediated by _______ and increased self-kindness.

Answer 43

stress reduction ## Footnote Stress reduction is crucial for preventing parental burnout.

Question 44

True or False: Mothers report significantly fewer depressive symptoms compared to women without children.

Answer 44

False ## Footnote Mothers do not report significantly fewer symptoms compared to non-mothers.