Authors

Angela Vinturache, M.D., Ph.D., Nikki Stephenson, M.Sc., Sheila McDonald, Ph.D., Muci Wu, B.Sc., Hamideh Bayrampour, Ph.D., Suzanne Tough, Ph.D.

Volume 104, Issue 1, Pages 188–195

Abstract

Objective:

To study the effects of mode of conception (spontaneous vs. assisted) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) throughout pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Design:

Secondary analysis of data from the All Our Babies cohort.

Setting:

Not applicable.

Patient(s):

A total of 243 women with assisted conception and 3,309 women with spontaneous conception.

Intervention(s):

Short Form 12 (SF-12) health survey administered by means of questionnaires at

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Changes in the SF-12 Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Summary scores from pregnancy to postpartum.

Result(s):

The PCS scores were lower during pregnancy and at

Conclusion(s):

Women with assisted conception may report lower physical and better mental health during pregnancy than women with spontaneous conception. At 4 months postpartum, there were no differences in self-reported HRQoL between modes of conception. Women with assisted conception may benefit from support and reassurance that perception of suboptimal health may improve over pregnancy and into the postpartum period.

Read the full text at: http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(15)00285-X/fulltext