Unintended pregnancy and depressive symptoms among first-time mothers and fathers

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2000 Oct;70(4):523-31. doi: 10.1037/h0087671.

Abstract

The consequences of unintended first pregnancy on the mental health of cohabitating couples (N = 124) were examined in the third trimester of pregnancy and at four months postpartum. Results indicated that the influence of unintended pregnancy on parental depressive symptoms is complex and via different mechanisms for men and women. Pregnancy viewed as unintended by males and intended by their partners appeared to pose the greatest risk for postpartum depressive symptoms, particularly in women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Depression, Postpartum / diagnosis
  • Depression, Postpartum / epidemiology*
  • Depression, Postpartum / psychology
  • Fathers / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Marriage / psychology
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Unwanted*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Social Support