摘要：Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the opinion of pregnant women on motherhood and related beliefs about the maternal instinct, vocation to a parenthood, marital obligation, the obligation of religious and social upbringing of children. Material and methods: Study was conducted on 200 pregnant women in the range between 20-44 years attending antenatal classes at the City Hospital in Białystok. The material was collected through an original questionnaire which consisted of 26 closed and semi-open questions. Results: Most respondents (84%) planned their pregnancy, 70% used various methods of contraception before getting pregnant. Among pregnant women under 30 years old 73% said that they planned their gestation, the number rises to 93% among women over 30 years old. Seventy-five women (60%) under 30 years said they did not use birth control methods. Conclusions: A significant percentage of respon-dents present different from widespread views on the maternal instinct, parenting, legalization of their relationship, and responsibility for raising a child, thanks to which they break stereotypes common in Poland. Attending childbirth classes reduces fear of labour, supports women psychologically and allows to find oneself in the new situation
