Partner Dynamics and Fertility: Analysis of unintended pregnancy in adult women.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze partner dynamics leading to birth. There are several decision-making points in this process. Initiation of sex has many factors; however, partner influences and beliefs may play an especially significant role in this area. In more severe cases, the decision to have sex may be made by only one partner, resulting in forced intercourse. These instances have high rates of contraceptive non-use and often result in unintended pregnancy. After sex is initiated in a relationship, there are decisions to be made about which type of method to use and how consistently it will be use. These are two distinct decisions, however, each are determined by similar factors. These factors include socioeconomic status, area of residence, religion and education. In addition, these decisions are based on the beliefs and personal preferences of each partner in the relationship. This work will examine studies showing how partner desires influence the choice and use of contraception in a relationship. The next step in many relationships is the decision to become pregnant. This decision is often a matter of each partner weighing the costs and benefits of childbearing. In many cases, however, there is partner disagreement. What are the ultimate fertility outcomes for couples who disagree on whether or not they want to become pregnant? In some instances, couples may not openly discuss fertility plans and have to decide what to do after the woman becomes pregnant. Studies that look at which partner's desires prevail in such situations will be examined in the review. And finally, for pregnancies carried to term, regardless of intention status, how does intention status affect the health of the child and the overall happiness of each parent? Women with unintended pregnancy have lower rates of seeking prenatal care and higher rates of health-compromising behavior. This may, however, have less to do with intention status than with personal characteristics and situations. An ongoing debate is that even pregnancies that are defined as unintended can have positive outcomes equal to pregnancies defined as intended. The reason for this is that happiness may be a better determinant of prenatal care and care for the child after birth than measurements of intention.