Relationships and parenthood in couples after assisted reproduction and in spontaneous primiparous couples: a prospective long-term follow-up study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse relationships and parenthood in primiparous IVF couples and spontaneous primiparous couples. METHOD: In total, 110 consecutive IVF couples were studied. The control group was matched for women's age and selected out of the total spontaneous pregnant population in the study area. Questionnaires and semi-structured telephone interviews were used to gain information about sociodemographic data, couples' relationships, and the children's health, temperament and behaviour. Obstetrical variables concerning the course and outcome of pregnancy and delivery as well as the health status of the new-borns were obtained from standardized antenatal care and delivery files. RESULTS: There were no differences concerning gestational age, mode of delivery or neonatal health between the two groups. The IVF couples were more stable over time-from pregnancy until the child was 1 year old-in their relationship, while the control group experienced a decrease in marital satisfaction. The children in the IVF group were assessed by their parents as being more regular/habitual, sensitive and manageable than the control children. CONCLUSION: The differences present between the groups were in favour of the IVF families, and the effects of the infertility crisis were not notable when the children were 1 year old.