Investigated were effects of maternal work status and parity on specific outcomes in maternal psychology and physiology and infant physiology. In addition, the study design and the usefulness of instruments were evaluated, and the feasibility of subject recruitment and retention was assessed. Subjects were 20 women between 18 and 35 years of age who were either employed outside the home or not employed, and were experiencing their first or second pregnancy. Data were collected at 14-24 weeks of pregnancy (Phase 1), following delivery (Phase 2), 4-6 weeks postpartum (Phase 3), and when the infant was 6 months old (Phase 4). Findings at Phase 1 indicated that second-time mothers were older than first-time mothers, and nonemployed mothers were significantly more likely to smoke than were employed mothers. Phase 2 findings indicated nonemployed mothers accounted for four of seven complicated pregnancies and their infants scored significantly lower on the Dubowitz gestational scale than did infants of employed mothers. Phase 3 results indicated that nonemployed mothers had more concerns about separation from their infants. Their level of family function was lower than that of employed mothers. At Phase 4, employed mothers had significantly more concerns about separation effects on their infants. Attrition was highest among the first-time, nonemployed mothers who had the most complications. (RH)