List of contributors; Editorial preface; Introduction. Perspectives on the transition to parenthood Wendy A. Goldberg; Part I. The Transition to Parenthood as a Challenge for Adaptation by Individuals, Couples, and Families: 1. Motivational factors in the decision and timing of pregnancy Gerald Y. Michaels; 2. The power of parenthood: personality and attitudinal changes during the transition to parenthood Toni C. Antonucci and Karen Mikus; 3. Psychological issues in adjustment to first parenthood Nicolina M. Fedele, Ellen R. Golding, Frances K. Grossman and William S. Pollack; 4. Changes in marriage during the transition to parenthood: must we blame the baby? Philip A. Cowan and Carolyn Pape Cowan; Part II. The Transition to Parenthood under Conditions of Risk: 5. Medical perspectives on pregnancy and birth: biological risks and technological advances Linda Hughey Holt; 6. Effects of infant risk status on the transition to parenthood M. Ann Easterbrooks; 7. The transition to parenthood: special tasks and risk factors for adolescent parents Joy D. Osofsky, Howard J. Osofsky and Martha Ourieff Diamond; Part III. Intervention Strategies for Individuals, Couples, and Families: 8. Social networks and the transition to parenthood Benjamin H. Gottlieb and S. Mark Pancer; 9. Intervention programs for the transition to parenthood S. Wayne Duncan and Howard J. Markman; 10. Family support programs for new parents Sharon L. Kagan and Victoria Seitz; Conclusion. The transition to parenthood: synthesis and future directions Wendy A. Goldberg and Gerald Y. Michaels; Index of names; Index of subjects.