Abstract
Twice during pregnancy and at one and six months postnatally, 70 couples of mixed parity completed questionnaires which included several marital variables. Although there was a tendency for affection to decrease between first-time parents, the greatest overall change was in interdependence patterns. The resolution of dependency needs was shown to be a challenge for several months after the birth. Only women married less than five years experienced significant change in sexual interest; and there was a trend toward a more egalitarian balance in dominance patterns during pregnancy. It was concluded that every pregnancy poses a challenge to the parental relationship.