Expecting a child conceived by medically assisted reproduction in the context of infertility: A qualitative case study of the experience of pregnant women and their partners.

BACKGROUND

Infertility affects around one in six people worldwide. Technological advances and changes in legislation in medically assisted reproduction (MAR) are helping more people achieve parenthood after a journey marked by infertility. Yet the unique experience of women who become pregnant after MAR, and of their partners, remains little known.

AIM: To describe the experience of pregnant women and their partners during a pregnancy resulting from infertility-related MAR by examining their emotions throughout the pregnancy, their parental identity construction, and transformations experienced in various spheres of their life.

METHODS

We conducted an integrated case study using a descriptive qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants from Quebec (Canada), including 13 pregnant women and eight partners (five men, three women) who had conceived by infertility-related MAR. The data were analysed abductively.

FINDINGS: The pregnant women and their partners experienced intense emotions throughout the pregnancy, oscillating between joy, fear, and relief. Parental identity construction was marked by expectation, hope, and a transition centred on pregnancy and infertility. They also transformed their relationships, adapting as a couple, redefining family and social ties, and entering a new normal with healthcare professionals.

CONCLUSION

For pregnant women and their partners, pregnancy after infertility-related MAR is fraught with paradoxical emotions and marked by challenging parental identity construction. Social and family recognition of their journey influences how they navigate the transitional period of pregnancy and project themselves into their parental role. Personalised, empathetic support from healthcare professionals is essential to support them during pregnancy and facilitate their transition to parenthood.