En route to an "instant family": psychosocial considerations.
Societal and cultural norms require that a worthwhile person engage in reproduction and formation of a family. Young adults who postpone childbearing may presume that fertility is granted. When all other measures fail, the use of assisted reproductive technologies is considered the ultimate salvation for these couples. It is highly stressful and may lead to significant negative psychological consequences (loss of self-esteem, confidence, health, close relationships, security, and hope). Assisted reproductive technology may produce multiple pregnancy, which is frequently overlooked or underappreciated by infertile couples. Despite the real risks associated with a multiple pregnancy and birth, infertile patients often express a desperate wish to have twins or triplets, thereby accomplishing an instant family. It is necessary to provide these couples with detailed information on the risks of multiple pregnancy and birth.
Baor
Liora
L
Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel. lbaor@netvision.net.il
Blickstein
Isaac
I
D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007246:Infertility / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D016487:Parenting; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D018607:Pregnancy Reduction, Multifetal / Q000523:psychology; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple / Q000523:psychology*; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D017211:Treatment Failure