The interviewee was 35 years old and living in California when she became pregnant with twins. During her pregnancy she experienced significant weight gain and issues with her sleeping habits. She developed high blood pressure which required hospitalization to prolong the pregnancy and monitor her health. At delivery, the twins were born prematurely and faced health complications including low birth weights that required extended time in the ICU. This differed from her initial expectations of bonding with healthy babies, as she found herself facing an emotional and difficult period of worry for her twins' health. Over time her family provided strong support, and while the newborn stage was challenging with the twins' medical needs, happiness eventually returned to her life.

1. Kiana Wiley
Pregnancy Interview
Developmental Psychology
February 7, 2016
Characteristics of the Interviewee:
1. Age at Pregnancy​: The interviewee was 35 years old when pregnant.
2. Relationship Status​: Single, in an on-and-off relationship (“It’s complicated”)
3. Where did you live?​: Spring Valley, California. Small city in San Diego.
4. Work status and parental leave policy:​ Employed with the government. The maternity
leave was 6-8 weeks or two months. It would be longer with c-section, multiple
pregnancies or complications: as much time was given if there is leave “on the books.”
There was no day care provided at the work facility.
5. Pregnancy number​: This was the interviewee’s second pregnancy and first time having
twins.
Physical Changes During Pregnancy:
1. How did your body change?​: “Large… I got very large. My stomach was stretched very
large.” It (her stomach) weighed heavily on the sciatic nerve in the hip area of the
interviewee.
2. Did you experience any significant morning sickness?​: Within the first month was the
worst for the interviewee, but “that was it.” The interviewee still had to handle business
and couldn’t drink or eat certain foods. They also couldn’t smell certain aromas or smells.

2. 3. What were your sleep habits?​: The sleeping habits were good. She just had to find a
“comfortable sleeping spot or side.” The sleeping habits were also at times disturbing,
making her lose hours of sleep.
4. What was your diet like?​: “I could eat anything. There were no special cravings.” There
were no changes from the previous diet. People brought the interviewee food.
Complications:
1. Were there any complications?​: Blood pressure was rising and had to be on watch
constantly. At that age, “I had several more tests than my first pregnancy.” There could
be extra tests because they were checking for down syndrome, which was more common
in later-aged pregnancies. Also multiple births (twins and above) require additional tests.
2. How did you respond to them?​: “I was fearful but hoping and praying all was okay. I
had to be patient and take the tests and be more alert of signs of complications.”
Body Image:
1. What did you wear during your pregnancy?​: “Big pregnancy clothes.” The
interviewee wore maternity wear as well as larger shirts.
2. How did your perception of your body change?​: “I was confident, beautiful, and
glowing.” The interviewee also stated that she was “happy in my skin.” There were not
too many problems. Her personality was unchanged and still fully confident.
Social Aspects of the pregnancy:
1. How did your pregnancy affect your social relationships?​: There was a very good
support system with the family. The friends were absolutely happy,attentive, supportive.

3. The relationship was still “on and off , but he was there. He had other family issues to
deal with.”
Cognitive Aspects of the Pregnancy:
1. What were your concerns during pregnancy?​: The interviewee was hopeful for happy
and healthy babies, childcare arrangements, complications during delivery, and being
able to support the babies because of the relationship status and being a single parent. The
interviewee was concerned on if they would have a support group after the birth. The
financial aspects after delivery were also a major concern.
2. How did you anticipate your interactions with the baby and your life as a parent?​:
Her life as a parent would be easy because this would be the second pregnancy. “I felt
confident because this is the second pregnancy and I have assisted several other family
members with their children.” The mother anticipated most to “hold them and see their
smiles.” The interviewee was hoping they would bond instantly and “grow together.” The
growing pains would hopefully not be too hard to overcome.
3. How were anticipations similar or different from what actually happened?​: What
actually happened was preeclampsia: “my blood pressure rose to a point where I was put
into a hospital for a week on several strong meds to lower my blood pressure as well as
prolong the pregnancy so the babies could develop more or fully. My water had not
broken yet.” Preeclampsia can cause a stroke, so there was some nerves. The babies were
still too early (premature) and there were complications that arose prior to delivery. “It
was very uncomfortable and tense and rocky at times. The babies’ room was not
complete, beds set up and all that.” The family was very present and supportive yet

4. worried. Eventually, the babies were delivered and instead of coming home, due to
jaundice and being premature, the babies stayed an additional two weeks while the
mother was sent home. The happy feeling before disappeared and that was when the
worry surfaced. The birth weight of 5.3 lbs. and 5.8 lbs. was underweight and still had
developmental issues (ears, eyes, etc.) and both babies were in ICU. There was a “lot of
crying on my part”, stated the interviewee. All the emotional feelings rushed in and she
began to think, “Are they healthy? Are they going to make it? What is really going on?”
The family had many positive thoughts at this time. The babies then came home with
medical machines (lights for jaundice) and prescriptions to still treat premature birth
complications. This treatment lasted for a two weeks after the babies had come home.
“The long week felt like a month and the two weeks (the babies were away) felt like a
year.” Then there was just a long journey of adjusting time schedules, additional
assistance, loss of a lot of sleep, and long nights for the interviewee. Eventually,
happiness fell back into her life with beautiful and happy life. She went back to work and
childcare assistance was very helpful at this time. The babies went to their great aunt
every week on Wednesday’s and her mother came to the house to babysit. The babies’
big brother was “like daddy” to them and helped tremendously. The relationship with the
father of the babies was still rocky, but the immediate family was constant throughout the
entire process.