Marital adaptation during pregnancy and after childbirth

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.