Authors: Repokari, L.; Punamäki, R.-L.; Poikkeus, P.; Vilska, S.; Unkila-Kallio, L.; Sinkkonen, J.; Almqvist, F.; Tiitinen, A.; Tulppala, M.

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 20, Number 11, November 2005 , pp. 3238-3247(10)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The dynamics of mental health during the transition to parenthood have not been a focus of research. Our prospective longitudinal study was designed to reveal whether there are differences in mental health during the transition to parenthood between parents undergoing treatment with assisted reproduction techniques (ART) and those who conceive spontaneously. METHODS: Study group: 367 couples with a singleton ART pregnancy using their own gametes. Control group: 379 couples with a spontaneous singleton pregnancy. Men and women separately filled in questionnaires including the General Health Questionnaire: at the 18th–20th week of pregnancy, 2 months postpartum and 1 year postpartum (T3). The effect of social and child-related factors on mental health was examined. RESULTS: ART women had fewer depressive symptoms during pregnancy than controls, but at T3 their depressive symptoms were at the same level as seen in controls. Anxiety symptoms increased among control but not among ART women across the transition. ART men reported generally fewer mental health symptoms than their controls. Social and child-related stressors had negative impacts on mental health changes among control couples, whereas no impact was found among ART couples. CONCLUSIONS: Successful ART did not predict mental health problems during the transition to parenthood. Moreover, ART couples' mental health was remarkably resistant to social and child-related stress during the transition to parenthood.

Keywords: assisted reproduction techniques; infertility; mental health; social and child-related stress

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dei214

Publication date: 2005-11-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Repokari, L. ;  Punamäki, R.-L. ;  Poikkeus, P. ;  Vilska, S. ;  Unkila-Kallio, L. ;  Sinkkonen, J. ;  Almqvist, F. ;  Tiitinen, A. ;  Tulppala, M.

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