ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study is to define the structural patterns of pregnancy motivation of married women. METHOD: Q-methodology was used on 110 statements collected from interviews with women and a literature review. 38 Q-samples were selected. The Q-samples were administerd to 30 randomized P-sample. RESULT: Data analysis of Q-type obtained by QUANL program shows three types of subjectivity in the perception of pregnancy motivation. Type 1, "Family-connection strengthening", Pregnancy motivation is characterized by the tendency to make home, to tie family member, to connect couple firmly. Type 2,"Self-satisfaction", Women of this type take pleasure and happiness from child rearing in terms of being a mother and having maternal affection. Type 3, "Self-centered", This type of pregnancy motivation puts on high emphasis on self achievement and they make a family planning suitable for the maternal role. CONCLUSION: The stronger was women's pregnancy motivation, the more positive were women's pregnancy experience and maternal role attainment. Therefore, When nurses take care of pregnancy women, they should understand the women's psycho-social aspects and then apply a program of nursing intervention to the pregnant women, It is necessary to continue to study on social and psychological problems related to pregnancy.