Life satisfaction in parents after successful in vitro fertilization and natural pregnancy: a prospective longitudinal study from before pregnancy to 24 months after childbirth

Changes in psychological variables in couples after successful in-vitro fertilization (IVF) have rarely been investigated. This paper describes follow-up assessments of a previously published study investigating changes in life satisfaction, stress and worry related to childbirth in couples undergoing IVF and those with natural pregnancy. Questionnaire data were obtained in 75 IVF couples and 70 couples with natural pregnancy before pregnancy, and at 6 and 12 months postpartum; follow-up data were recorded 18 and 24 months postpartum. IVF couples had less favourable baseline scores for all variables than those with natural pregnancy. Their life satisfaction increased, stress and worry decreased, during the first year postpartum. Couples with natural pregnancy reported transient worsening in all variables during this period. During follow-up, all variables remained largely stable in both groups; while life satisfaction and stress no longer differed between groups, worry was lower in IVF couples at month 24. Gender differences were small in both groups. In IVF couples, negative impacts of infertility may fully abate after childbirth; in naturally conceiving couples, initial negative changes in wellbeing are reversed and stabilized during the child ' s first 2 years. Both groups may benefit from psychological support at different times during pregnancy and parenthood.

Automated summary

Psychological variables in couples undergoing IVF and those with natural pregnancy were compared. IVF couples had less favorable baseline scores for all variables, but experienced an improvement in life satisfaction and a decrease in stress and worry during the first year postpartum. Couples with natural pregnancy reported temporary worsening in all variables during this period. During follow-up, all variables remained stable in both groups, with no differences in life satisfaction and stress between groups, but lower levels of worry in IVF couples at month 24. Infertility's negative impacts may fully abate after childbirth in IVF couples, while initially negative changes in well-being are reversed and stabilized in naturally conceiving couples during the child's first 2 years. Psychological support may benefit both groups at different times during pregnancy and parenthood.