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Gupta A, Lu E, Thayer Z. The influence of assisted reproductive technologies-related stressors and social support on perceived stress and depression. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:431. [PMID: 39068405 PMCID: PMC11282751 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03262-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have helped many people experiencing infertility become pregnant, the ART process can take a psychological toll. This study examined whether and how perceived stress- and depression-related symptoms vary among individuals at different stages of the infertility and ART process, and whether ART-specific stressors and emotional support are associated with mental health symptomatology. METHODS Data were collected using an online REDCap survey administered between July 2021 and March 2022. The survey was administered to 240 participants who had experienced infertility, including those who had not yet accessed ART, those undergoing ART but who were not yet pregnant, those currently pregnant through ART, and those who had given birth in the last year through ART. Each participant completed the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (range 0-40) and the Edinburgh Depression Scale (range 0-30). Participants who had undergone ART were asked about their experience of ART-specific stressors and how helpful partner and provider support had been during the ART process. Survey data were analyzed using ANOVA and multivariate linear regressions. RESULTS 88% of participants reported medium or high levels of perceived stress, and 43.8% of respondents showed probable indications of depression. Perceived stress and depression symptoms were significantly higher for individuals currently undergoing, but not yet pregnant from, ART treatments. These effect sizes were substantial; for example, depression scores in this group were five points higher than among currently pregnant individuals and nine points higher than among postpartum individuals. For the subset of participants who had used or were currently undergoing ART (N = 221), perceived social stigma and the physical and time demands of ART were significantly associated with higher stress and depression symptoms, while partner emotional support was associated with lower perceived stress. CONCLUSIONS The ART process exacerbates perceived stress and depression symptoms among individuals experiencing infertility. Given the potential long-term impacts on both parent and child wellbeing, clinicians and policymaking groups, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), should consider making access to mental health services a standard of care during infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Gupta
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hinman Box 4036, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Emily Lu
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hinman Box 4036, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Zaneta Thayer
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hinman Box 4036, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
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Foyston Z, Higgins L, Smith DM, Wittkowski A. Parents' experiences of life after medicalised conception: a thematic meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:520. [PMID: 37460955 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05727-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicalised Conception (MAC) assists many couples to achieve pregnancy worldwide. As the impact of MAC has been linked to increased pregnancy-specific anxiety and parenting difficulties, this review aimed to explore parental experiences of pregnancy and early parenting following MAC, identifying parents' psychological, social and health needs. METHOD Five databases were searched systematically from inception to March 2023. Identified articles were screened for eligibility against the inclusion criteria and the results were analysed using thematic synthesis. The Critical Appraisal Skills checklist was employed to appraise methodological quality. RESULTS Twenty qualitative studies, drawing on a total of 19 participant samples, were included in this review, most with samples with history of subfertility. The findings were synthesised into three main themes (consisting of seven subthemes): 1) The vulnerable parent: fear, doubt, uncertainty, 2) the stark realisation of the parental dream, 3) psychosocial needs and support. Parents lacked a sense of safety during pregnancy and reported acting protectively both antenatally and postnatally. Furthermore, their identity transition was complex and non-linear, influenced by sociocultural context. CONCLUSIONS Considerable unmet psychosocial needs were identified including the potential for anxiety in pregnancy, the possibility of feeling excluded and marginalised, and a reluctance to share distress and experiences with healthcare professionals. These findings suggest a need for consistent, holistic care, integrating psychological services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Foyston
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - L Higgins
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - D M Smith
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, 2nd Floor Zochonis Building, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - A Wittkowski
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, 2nd Floor Zochonis Building, Manchester, UK.
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Alnabilsy R, Sharon D. The Experience of Pregnancy and Childbirth Overshadowed by Obstetric Violence and Structural Barriers of the Israeli Health System from the Perspective of Arab and Jewish Women. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:647-659. [PMID: 37137486 PMCID: PMC10259084 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231173814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to give a voice to Arab and Jewish women in Israel who had suffered obstetric violence during various stages of fertility treatments, pregnancy, and childbirth and also to learn from the women about their experiences of obstetric violence subject to the barriers of the Israeli health system, and their recommendations of possible solutions. The study underlines the unique gender, social, and cultural context in Israel concerning pregnancy and childbirth, and was based on the feminist approach that strives to promote human rights, and eradicate phenomena of gender-related, patriarchal, and social structures. The study used a qualitative-constructivist methodology. Twenty semi-structured interviews with ten Arab women and ten Jewish women were thematically analyzed, and five main themes emerged: first, the women's experience of becoming pregnant and pregnancy overshadowed by physical and emotional barriers from caregivers and the close environment; second, the women's awareness of their bodies and needs during pregnancy dominated by the challenges of the health services; third, the women's awareness of their bodies and needs during childbirth alongside incompatible expectations and nonattentive medical staff; fourth, the women's descriptions of experiences and types of obstetric violence; and fifth, the women's recommendations to eradicate obstetric violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghda Alnabilsy
- Department of Social Worker, Ruppin Academic Center, Emeq Hefer, Israel
| | - Dganit Sharon
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emeq Hefer, Israel
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Skvirsky V, Taubman – Ben-Ari O, Azuri J, Weissman A, Horowitz E. Mental health of pregnant women with a background of fertility problems: the contribution of meaning in life and cognitive appraisal. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03565-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Comparison of the Adaptation to Pregnancy in Women Who Received Infertility Treatment and Those Who Didn't. JOURNAL OF BASIC AND CLINICAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.30621/jbachs.1006052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Huang MZ, Sun YC, Gau ML, Puthussery S, Kao CH. First-time mothers' experiences of foetal reduction in pregnancy following assisted reproductive technology treatment in Taiwan: a qualitative study. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2021; 40:47. [PMID: 34727986 PMCID: PMC8562006 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-021-00270-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foetal reduction-removal of one or more foetuses to reduce the number of foetuses in multiple conceptions-is a procedure used for improving pregnancy outcomes following assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. While there is a recognition of the importance of understanding the experiences of women who undergo foetal reduction to offer appropriate help and support, studies that provide relevant insights are sparse. Our aim was to gain an in-depth understanding about first-time mothers' experiences of foetal reduction following ART treatment in Taiwan. METHODS We adopted a qualitative design based on a phenomenological approach for this study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven first-time mothers who underwent foetal reduction following ART treatment at a fertility centre in Taipei, Taiwan. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the Colaizzi strategy. RESULTS The views and experiences relating to foetal reduction reflected five key themes: hesitation, ambivalence and distress; the guilt of knowingly terminating a life; rituals and ceremonies to ease the sense of guilt; persuading oneself to consider the 'big picture'; and wishing for a reunion in next pregnancy. Mothers often regretted that they took clinical advice to implant multiple embryos and then having had to resort to foetal reduction. There was a sense of hesitation, ambivalence and distress reflected in the views from all participants. They believed that they ended the fetuses' lives knowingly and expressed strong feelings of guilt. Mothers often tried to persuade themselves to look at foetal reduction within the 'big picture' of the overall pregnancy outcome. Losing their unborn babies was as an unforgettable incident for most mothers, and they wished for a reunion with the lost baby in the next pregnancy. CONCLUSION Findings indicate the need for ART providers to undertake a more sensitive approach that involves detailed discussions with women and their families to tailor the embryo transfer processes to suit individual needs. Women who undergo foetal reduction should be provided with tailored interventions towards enhancing their coping strategies before and after foetal reduction taking into account the cultural and religious context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Zen Huang
- Department of Nursing, National Tainan Junior College of Nursing, 78, Sec.2 Minzu Rd., Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chin Sun
- Dr. Hwang Reproductive Fertility Center, 11F., No.100, Sec.2, Nanjing E. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Meei-Ling Gau
- Department of Midwifery and Women Health Care, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365, Ming-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuby Puthussery
- Institute for Health Research and School of Society, Community and Health, University of Bedfordshire, Park Square Rm 206, Luton, LU1 3JU UK
| | - Chien-Huei Kao
- Department of Midwifery and Women Health Care, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365, Ming-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan
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Anaman-Torgbor JA, Jonathan JWA, Asare L, Osarfo B, Attivor R, Bonsu A, Fialor EAE, Tarkang EE. Experiences of women undergoing assisted reproductive technology in Ghana: A qualitative analysis of their experiences. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255957. [PMID: 34379703 PMCID: PMC8357082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The study aimed to explore the experiences of women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies namely; Invitro Fertilization and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection at the Finney Hospital and Fertility Centre, New Bortianor, Ghana. Method A qualitative research design was employed to analyse and describe the experiences of the women seeking Assisted Reproductive Technologies. A total of 32 women were invited to take part in the interview, 15 of them accepted the invitation. However, saturation was reached before all interviews had been complete. Results Three themes emerged from the study: the women’s experiences, challenges and the roles and contributions of significant others. The women were anxious, stressed-up, exhausted and financially burdened. Spouses and health professionals played significant roles by providing social, emotional and financial support for these women. Significant others such as spouses and close relatives were supportive and provided encouragement to the women. Conclusion The experiences of women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies are multi-dimensional. Thus, psychosocial interventions as part of ART services with health insurance cover may be client-centered and more appropriate for these group of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A. Anaman-Torgbor
- Department of Public Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Justice Wiston Amstrong Jonathan
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
- * E-mail:
| | - Lily Asare
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Bernice Osarfo
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Rita Attivor
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Afia Bonsu
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Elizabeth A. E. Fialor
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Elvis E. Tarkang
- Department of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Volta Region, Ghana
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Boz İ, Teskereci G, Akgün M. The experience of becoming a mother following successful in vitro fertilization: A grounded theory. J Adv Nurs 2021; 77:4170-4183. [PMID: 34227135 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To develop a theory to explain women's experiences about becoming a mother following successful in vitro fertilization treatment. DESIGN This study is a qualitative study based on a constructivist grounded theory approach. METHODS Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide initially that was later to be changed to a flexible interview guide between June 2018 and 2019. Interviews were conducted with 18 women, who became pregnant and mothers following successful in vitro fertilization treatment. Data collection and analysis were performed in a cyclic manner using open, axial and selective coding. This study was reported based on consolidated criteria and was used to report qualitative research data. FINDINGS The core category, 'non-spontaneous path to motherhood', involved the following four categories: 'the treatment process is exhausting', 'leaving the infertility world', 'pregnancy under the shadow of fear' and 'getting stuck between fertile and infertile worlds' with 10 sub-categories. CONCLUSION This study provides valuable insight into experiences of these women about becoming a mother. Unlike the Becoming a Mother Theory, it can be said that the anticipation stage, the first stage in the Becoming a Mother Theory, begins at the moment of embryo transfer in these women. Furthermore, the personal stage, the final stage in the Becoming a Mother Theory, is not completed within the first year after birth, even women were found to conceal experiences of in vitro fertilization treatment from the social environment even after birth. IMPACT This study will provide potential support for obstetric healthcare professionals in better understanding women's experiences about becoming a mother following successful in vitro fertilization treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- İlkay Boz
- Department of Maternity and Gynecological Nursing, Akdeniz University Nursing Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gamze Teskereci
- Department of Maternity and Gynecological Nursing, Akdeniz University Kumluca Health Science Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Mehtap Akgün
- Department of Maternity and Gynecological Nursing, Akdeniz University Nursing Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
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Muruganandam P, Shanmugam D, Ramachandran N. Does the Mode of Conception Influence Early Postpartum Depression? A Prospective Comparative Study from South India. Indian J Psychol Med 2020; 42:525-529. [PMID: 33354077 PMCID: PMC7735233 DOI: 10.1177/0253717620928439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Besides infertility, the treatment associated with it is potentially related to psychological stress to mothers. This study was conducted to know whether the mode of conception has any association with early postpartum depression. METHOD A prospective cohort study was conducted on postnatal mothers at a tertiary care hospital from January to June 2019. The study participants were divided into two groups: postnatal mothers who delivered following spontaneous conception and assisted conception. Basic sociodemographic and obstetric details were collected. Postnatal depression assessment was done at the end of first and sixth week after delivery on all the mothers by using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). RESULTS In total, 110 subjects (55 in each group) were included in the study. The primary outcome measured was the presence of postpartum depression (EPDS score ≥10). The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 29 ± 6.4 years. The sociodemographic profiles of the two groups were comparable except for mean age, mode of delivery, socioeconomic status, prepregnancy body mass index -the group differences in these variables were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). There was no significant difference in the EPDS scores at one week or six weeks of postpartum among the two groups. Comparison of EPDS score among the two groups by Fisher's exact test showed that those mothers with a past history of depression were more likely to have postpartum depression immediately after delivery. CONCLUSION Mode of conception was not associated with an increase in postpartum depression among women who underwent infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deepa Shanmugam
- Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College, Puducherry, India
| | - Niranjjan Ramachandran
- Dept. of Community Medicine, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital, Puducherry, India
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Tasker F, Gato J. Gender Identity and Future Thinking About Parenthood: A Qualitative Analysis of Focus Group Data With Transgender and Non-binary People in the United Kingdom. Front Psychol 2020; 11:865. [PMID: 32435224 PMCID: PMC7218755 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The idea that people who are transgender or non-binary are not interested in becoming parents has been refuted by several studies. However, both medical unknowns and cisnormativity surround the process of becoming a parent for transgender or non-binary people, with little known about the psychosocial impact on the family formation dilemmas of transgender and non-binary adults. Employing Life Course Theory as our theoretical framework, three focus group interviews were conducted with eleven transgender or non-binary adults. Qualitative data analysis of focus group interview transcripts was conducted through Thematic Analysis. Four overarching interlinked themes were identified concerning the dilemmas perceived by the nine participants who contemplated future parenthood: (i) Balancing a desire for parenthood and desires for other life goals; (ii) Feeling that who I am doesn't fit into the cisgender system of accessing fostering, adoption or fertility services; (iii) Experiencing the conjoined challenges of gender and fertility embodiment as I see them; (iv) Searching for a non-binary or gender appropriate self and the need for flexible future planning centered on reproductive capacity. Overall, thoughts about gender transition were often interwoven with parenthood plans and in a dialectical fashion the desire and intention to have, or not have, children was implicated in satisfaction with gender transition. The significance of these themes is discussed in relation to how hopes for parenthood could be realized without jeopardizing gender identity and the need for a future focused, flexible, and open-minded approach on the part of fertility and adoption services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Tasker
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Gato
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Chen J, Cross WM, Plummer V, Lam L, Sun M, Qin C, Tang S. The risk factors of antenatal depression: A cross-sectional survey. J Clin Nurs 2019; 28:3599-3609. [PMID: 31165522 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence of depression in the third trimester of pregnancy and identify the related demographic risk factors. BACKGROUND Antenatal depression as a disabling and treatable disease has a wide-ranging impact on perinatal women and has received extensive attention from researchers. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey was conducted at three public hospitals. METHODS Demographic questionnaire was developed from the literature review, and depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the association between depression and demographic predictors. STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies was applied in this paper (see Appendix S1). RESULT A total of 773 pregnant women participated in the study. 29.6% of participants scored more than 9 points on Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. In the final logistic model, living in rural area, marital satisfaction, assisted reproductive technology, lacking of prenatal health knowledge and life events were strongly significantly associated with antenatal depression. Moreover, living in an extended family, without Medicare insurance, unemployed, working as civil servants or healthcare workers, and lower household income also predicted antenatal depression. However, education level, smoking or drinking before pregnancy was found not to be associated with antenatal depression. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the prevalence of antenatal depression was high. Satisfied with the current marital status, pregnancy without assisted reproductive technology, knowledge of perinatal care and no life events recently were considered as the protective factors for antenatal depression. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Antenatal psychological interventions should focus on how to improve the marital satisfaction and the relationship with their family members. More attentions should be paid to the women who have had some life events recently or received assisted reproductive technology for pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Chen
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wendy M Cross
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare, Federation University Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Virginia Plummer
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louisa Lam
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare, Federation University Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mei Sun
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunxiang Qin
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Obstetrical Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Siyuan Tang
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Huang MZ, Sun YC, Gau ML, Puthussery S, Kao CH. First-time mothers' experiences of pregnancy and birth following assisted reproductive technology treatment in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2019; 38:10. [PMID: 30925940 PMCID: PMC6441228 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-019-0167-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment tends to involve significant physical and emotional commitments that can impact maternal, infant, and family health and well-being. An in-depth understanding of experiences is necessary to provide adequate support for women and their families during pregnancy and transition to parenthood following ART treatment. The aim of this study was to explore first-time mothers' experiences of pregnancy and transition to parenthood following successful ART treatment in Taiwan. METHOD Twelve first-time mothers who conceived and gave live birth using ART treatment were purposively selected from a fertility centre in Taipei, Taiwan. Women's experiences in pregnancy and in their transition to motherhood were explored using semi-structured in-depth interviews. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the Colaizzi strategy. RESULTS The mothers' accounts reflected three main themes: 'being different from mothers who became pregnant naturally', 'ensuring health and safety of the foetus', and 'welcoming new lives with excitement'. The difference mothers felt about themselves was evident in four subthemes: becoming pregnant after a long wait, feeling vulnerable during pregnancy, relying on family's assistance and support, and worrying about the impact of ART on health. The theme on 'ensuring health and safety of the foetus' encompassed three subthemes: activities to protect the unborn baby, monitoring foetal movement constantly to maintain peace of mind, and receiving foetal reduction for the sake of the pregnancy. Narratives around 'welcoming new lives with excitement' reflected four subthemes: overcoming hardship for worthwhile results, realising one's life and dreams, proving to be fertile enough to give birth, and return to normal life track. CONCLUSION Findings indicate the need for educational and psychosocial interventions to support women and their families physically and psychologically during ART treatment. The stigma related to infertility and the psychosocial support from family are aspects to consider while planning intervention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Zen Huang
- Department of Nursing, National Tainan Junior College of Nursing, 78, Sec.2 Minzu Rd, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chin Sun
- Department of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365, Ming-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meei-Ling Gau
- Department of Midwifery and Women Health Care, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365, Ming-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuby Puthussery
- Maternal and Child Health Research Centre, Institute for Health Research & School of Health Care Practice, University of Bedfordshire, Putteridge Bury, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 8LE UK
| | - Chien-Huei Kao
- Department of Midwifery and Women Health Care, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365, Ming-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan
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Boz İ, Özçetin E, Teskereci G. İnfertilitede Anne Olma: Kuramsal Bir Analiz. PSIKIYATRIDE GUNCEL YAKLASIMLAR 2018. [DOI: 10.18863/pgy.382342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Darwiche J, Milek A, Antonietti JP, Vial Y. Partner support during the prenatal testing period after assisted conception. Women Birth 2018; 32:e264-e271. [PMID: 30100195 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy after infertility is a challenging experience. The first-trimester screening test may add stress. Partner support reduces psychological distress in pregnant women after spontaneous conception. No data are available for women who conceive via assisted reproductive technology. AIM To assess whether there was a difference between couples who underwent assisted reproductive technology and couples who conceived spontaneously in the support they felt they provided to their partner and whether their perception of support received from their partner reduced their distress. METHODS This longitudinal prospective study included 52 women (spontaneous conception) and 53 women (assisted reproductive technology), as well as their partners. Participants completed the state scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Edinburgh Depression Scale, and two partner-support subscales of the Dyadic Coping Inventory: before prenatal testing (gestational age 12 weeks), immediately after receiving the results (gestational age of approximately 14 weeks), and once all the prenatal screenings had been completed (gestational age 22 weeks). FINDINGS Women who underwent assisted reproductive technology felt less able to help their partner cope with stress and felt their partner was less able to help them cope with stress than women with spontaneous pregnancy. This difference was not observed in men. Higher perceived partner support lowered the anxiety and depression of couples who conceived spontaneously, but did not benefit couples who followed fertility treatment. CONCLUSION These results add to our knowledge of the emotional state of women and their partners during pregnancy after infertility. This knowledge may allow prenatal care providers to offer specialized counselling to women and their partners in the transition from infertility to parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joëlle Darwiche
- Family and Development Research Center, Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Anne Milek
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Philippe Antonietti
- Family and Development Research Center, Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yvan Vial
- Department of Woman-Mother-Child, University Hospital Lausanne and University of Lausanne, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
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