A woman presents for prenatal care at 6 weeks gestation. Which finding should the nurse expect?

At 6 weeks gestation, a woman may exhibit maternal ambivalence, which is a common emotional response during early pregnancy. This feeling can stem from the significant life change and uncertainties that come with pregnancy, leading to mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety about impending motherhood.

In early pregnancy, physiological changes are still minimal, and it is early to expect physical signs such as fundal height changes (which would be at the pubic symphysis rather than the umbilicus at this stage) or edema. Therefore, while prenatal appointments often include assessing physical and emotional health, maternal ambivalence is particularly relevant as it reflects the psychological adjustment to pregnancy that can occur in the first trimester. This makes it a crucial aspect of the nurse's observations and assessments during the initial prenatal visits.