It is frequently assumed that becoming a mother is an essential step in the development of female identity. Although female hormones may increase a woman's readiness to care for an infant, there is no clear cut evidence of a hormonal basis for maternal feelings. A woman's desire to have and raise children is affected by cultural expectations and opportunities. Current analytical thinking, while viewing reproductive choice as being an important component of feminine identity, does not emphasize the necessity of having a child to feel feminine. Once pregnant, the woman works through issues related to body image, relationship with mother and husband, concerns for the fetus, fears about the future and her new vision of herself.
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