Partner Dynamics and Fertility: Analysis of unintended pregnancy in adult women.
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Authors
Lee, Catherine
Issue Date
2001
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
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.
Description
iii, 47 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College.
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.