The Experience of Taiwanese Women Achieving Post-Infertility Pregnancy Through Assisted Reproductive Treatment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of pregnancy of women in Taiwan after undergoing at least three cycles of assisted reproductive technology (ART) over a period exceeding 3 years. Fifteen previously infertile female patients diagnosed with primary infertility participated in this study within 1 year of delivering a baby. Participants were between the ages of 31 and 44 with an average age of 39.41. They had been married an average of 11.33 years and had undergone an average of 5.25 years of infertility treatment. A phenomenological qualitative method with in-depth interviews was employed for the collection of data. Our findings reveal that the safety and health of the fetus is the primary concern of previously infertile pregnant mothers. Other concerns include physical/physiological changes, psychosocial reactions, the transition of identity during pregnancy, insights gained through pregnancy and labor, and the impact of Taiwanese society on the pregnancy. The post-infertility pregnant women in this study endured a great deal to conceive through ART, safeguarded the health of their fetus, and managed their reactions. Practitioners of couple and family counseling should offer assistance to post-infertility pregnant women through psychological counseling and consultation to help them deal with their biopsychosocial reactions and identity transition.