Life after medicalised conception: an interpretative phenomenological analysis study exploring the experiences of pregnancy and transition to parenthood

TL;DR

This study explores how people who conceived through IVF experience pregnancy and becoming parents, highlighting emotional challenges and the role of healthcare systems.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the psychological experiences of IVF parents during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Findings

IVF treatment leaves lasting emotional impacts that influence pregnancy and parenting choices.

Pregnancy is often experienced with anxiety and uncertainty, requiring emotional coping strategies.

Healthcare systems play a crucial role in either alleviating or exacerbating psychological distress in IVF parents.

Abstract

Pregnancy resulting from Medicalised Conception (MAC) is increasingly prevalent. In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the most common type of treatment which has been linked to increased pregnancy-specific anxiety and different approaches to parenting. This study explored the experiences of pregnancy and the transition to parenthood in individuals who conceived via IVF, identifying how they coped with any psychological difficulties.

Participants who successfully achieved pregnancy via IVF and had given birth to an infant aged 12 weeks to two years old, were interviewed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Based on data from 12 British participants, three superordinate themes were identified: (1) The lasting imprint of IVF: unidentified and unmet psychological needs. The resultant loss, grief and powerlessness associated with the IVF treatment left individuals emotionally vulnerable entering pregnancy. The lasting impact of IVF was evident, influencing birth preferences and feeding choices. (2) The fragility of pregnancy: helpless and existing in a world of uncertainty. Pregnancy was often approached with caution and trepidation, leading to methods of self-protection, such as difficulties in believing the existence of the pregnancy. (3) The parental function of healthcare systems: needing an anchor and a sense of safety highlighted the pivotal role of health systems and their ability to perpetuate or alleviate distress.

The psychological vulnerability of parents after IVF needs to be considered throughout the perinatal period. Monitoring of psychological well-being and the implementation of specialist services and peer support for individuals who conceive via IVF are recommended.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-025-07226-7.

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