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

• Published in: Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives 2016-04, Vol.29 (2), p.123-127
• Main Authors: Dornelles, L.M.N., MacCallum, F., Lopes, R.C.S., Piccinini, C.A., Passos, E.P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Assisted Reproductive Technology; Brazil; Female; Humans; Infertility - psychology; Infertility - therapy; Infertility treatment; Interviews as Topic; Motherhood; Nursing; Parenting; Population Surveillance; Post-infertility pregnancy; Pregnancy - psychology; Pregnant Women - ethnology; Pregnant Women - psychology; Qualitative Research; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
• ISSN: 1871-5192; 1878-1799
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2015.08.012

Pregnancies achieved through medical treatments following a period of infertility may demand extra emotional and practical investment from women. This paper aims at understanding the experience of pregnancy after Assisted Reproductive Technology, and exploring whether this experience is affected by previous failed infertility treatments. This paper uses a qualitative approach. Participants were nineteen expectant first-time mothers from Brazil who conceived through Assisted Reproductive Technology 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 analysed using thematic analysis, and the sample was divided into two groups according to whether it was the participant's first treatment or not. 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 Assisted Reproductive Technology 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. The similarities and differences found according to number of treatments attempted should be taken into consideration when providing psychological support for expectant Assisted Reproductive Technology mothers.