The experience of pregnancy resulting from ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) treatment : a qualitative Brazilian study

Background: Pregnancies achieved through medical treatments following a period of infertility may demand extra emotional and practical investment from women. Aim: This paper aims at understanding the experience of pregnancy after Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), and exploring whether this experience is affected by previous failed infertility treatments. Methods: This paper uses a qualitative approach. Participants were nineteen expectant first-time mothers from Brazil who conceived through ART treatment. During the third trimester of gestation, a semi-structured interview was administered to assess perceptions of and feelings about treatment and pregnancy. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis, and the sample was divided into two groups according to whether it was the participant’s first treatment (FT) or not (NFT). Findings: Themes identified include: Tolerance of the demands of treatment and pregnancy, Consideration of the mechanics of treatment and pregnancy, and Emotionally painful aspects of treatment and pregnancy. Pregnancy itself was regarded as a reward or compensation for the difficulties undergone. Perspectives differed according to whether pregnancy followed the first ART treatment; those who had undergone previously unsuccessful treatments focused less on the mechanical aspects of the process but were more concerned about possible physical problems. Conclusion: The similarities and differences found according to number of treatments attempted should be taken into consideration when providing psychological support for expectant ART mothers

“Living each week as unique” : maternal fears in Assisted Reproductive Technology pregnancies

Objective: to explore women's fears during pregnancy following conception via assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods: 19 expectant first-time mothers were interviewed during the third trimester of pregnancy using a semi-structured schedule. Perceptions of and feelings about pregnancy were assessed. Content analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes. Findings: four overarching themes emerged: the baby's survival, the health of the baby, the efficacy of the mother and childbirth. Of these, the most commonly reported fears were related to miscarriage or fetal death, and the baby being born with an abnormality. Conclusions and implications: in addition to fears that are experienced by some women who conceived spontaneously, the women in this study who conceived via ART reported other fears, such as miscarriage or fetal death, that are more specific to this context. This suggests that these concerns should be taken into consideration when providing psychological support for ART mothers

Anxiety and depressive symptoms, and stress biomarkers in pregnant women after in vitro fertilization: a prospective cohort study

[EN] STUDY QUESTION: Does in vitro fertilization (IVF) affect the course of anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as physiological stress from pregnancy to postpartum period?MV funded by FIS PI17/0131 grant from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and RETICS funded by the PN 2018-2011, and the European Regional Development Fund, reference RD16/0022/0001; AG-B funded by a 'Juan Rodes' Grant (JR17/00003) from the ISCIII. CC-P funded by a 'Miguel Servet I' Grant (CP16/00082) from the ISCIII.García Blanco, A.; Diago, V.; Hervás-Marín, D.; Ghosn, F.; Vento, M.; Cháfer-Pericás, C. (2018). Anxiety and depressive symptoms, and stress biomarkers in pregnant women after in vitro fertilization: a prospective cohort study. Human Reproduction. 33(7):1237-1246. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dey1091237124633