Women's Reactions to Reproductive Problems

Abstract

In this study of reproductive problems and women's reactions to them, 30% reported an unplanned pregnancy, 13% had infertility problems, 4% had an abortion, 18% had a miscarriage, 5% experienced infant death, 18% had difficult pregnancies or delivery, 15% had a tubal ligation, and 15% had an hysterectomy. There were marked psychological responses of depression and increased stress which improved as the women learned more about the problem and drew closer to their families and others with similar problems.