Trying Versus Not Trying: A Qualitative Exploration of Pregnancy Intentions, the Transition to Parenthood, and the Couple Relationship

Abstract

Using qualitative phenomenology methodology, the authors investigated the impact of the transition to parenthood on the couple relationship. Conjoint, semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 heterosexual couples during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Couples were asked to describe childbearing decision-making processes, current pregnancy experiences, and the impact of pregnancy on the couple relationship. Through qualitative analysis one dominant category, pregnancy intentions, emerged, highlighting significant differences between couples who described “trying” versus “not trying” to conceive. Analysis indicated that subsequent themes and subthemes varied between trying and not trying couples. Couples’ descriptions offer clinical insight into the dynamics between childbearing decisions, pregnancy, and the couple relationship.

KEYWORDS:

• couples
• pregnancy
• transition to parenthood