Mixed feelings about pregnancy may shape family conflict long after childbirth
A pregnancy that is unintended or met with mixed feelings may affect more than the decision about whether and when to have a child.
Mixed feelings about pregnancy may impact family relationships long after a child's birth, according to new research from the University of Michigan. The study found that pregnancy intentions, whether intended or unwanted, can influence relationship dynamics and even intimate partner violence years after childbirth. Lead author Olivia Chang noted that feelings of uncertainty or ambivalence surrounding a pregnancy were particularly linked to destructive conflict between parents.
Mothers who experienced ambivalent emotions had a higher likelihood of reporting intimate partner violence victimization 15 months later, while fathers who felt ambivalent about their pregnancies showed increased odds of experiencing violence three years postpartum. The researchers emphasize the need to consider fathers' perspectives and emotions regarding pregnancy, as previous studies often focused on mothers and categorized pregnancies as either intended or unintended.
The findings, published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, highlight the importance of assessing both parents' nuanced pregnancy intentions to identify couples who might benefit from additional support during the transition to parenthood.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
