Patterns of emotional responses to pregnancy, experience of pregnancy and attitudes to parenthood among IVF couples: a longitudinal study

Abstract

The aim of this longitudinal study was to compare couples who had conceived by in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with couples who had conceived naturally, regarding patterns of emotional response to different stages of pregnancy and to compare their expectations of and attitudes to pregnancy, parenthood and children. Fifty-seven IVF women and 55 of their male partners, and a control group of 43 pregnant women and 39 of their male partners participated. They completed scales measuring emotional responses to pregnancy, attitudes to pregnancy, parenthood and children. The IVF couples were interviewed about their experience of pregnancy.

The overall anxiety about losing the pregnancy was higher among the IVF couples from early to late pregnancy. The IVF women experienced the pregnancy in a more positive way and they were less concerned about the child's gender and loss of freedom in their future lives as parents compared to controls. The IVF men were more anxious about the baby being injured during birth. The interviews with the IVF couples confirmed the self-ratings.

In conclusion, the results suggest that it is important for healthcare providers to pay attention to an elevated anxiety among IVF couples and to give them extra time to discuss emotions during pregnancy and their future life as parents.

Key Words:

• in vitro fertilization
• pregnancy
• psychology
• parenthood
• infertility
• interviews