ABSTRACT
In their assessments about the occurrence of their pregnancies, the participants may be seen on a continuum. At one end is Alicia, who felt strongly that her pregnancy just happened; at the other end is Chantel, who expressed having sought to become pregnant. Kim said these influences had contributed to her being "messed up". She said that she tended toward depression; she presented her reasons for wanting a baby in this context. She explained that she often relied on other people to pull her out of her depression. Edouine discussed her pregnancy in the context of lessons she had learned about life. Edouine explained that dealing with her alcoholic mother had taught her that she was on her own. This theme held for five of the six participants. All except Edouine used this phrase in talking about their pregnancies. The phrase seemed to connote acceptance or an attitude of pragmatism and inevitability as a response to pregnancy.
