Discordant pregnancy intentions in couples and rapid repeat pregnancy

Rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP) is a major problem in the United States. Few studies have explored the influence of partner agreement on pregnancy intention and RRP.

We sought to examine the association between couple pregnancy intentions and RRP among women in the United States.

Data came from the 2006 through 2010 National Survey of Family Growth. Multiparous women who cohabited with 1 husband/partner before conception of second pregnancy were included (N = 3463). The outcome, RRP, was categorized as experiencing a second pregnancy within 24 months of the first pregnancy resolution, or ≥24 months from the first pregnancy resolution. Maternal and paternal pregnancy intentions were categorized into 4 dyads: both intended (M+P+); maternal intended and paternal unintended (M+P-); maternal unintended and paternal intended (M-P+); and both unintended (M-P-). Multiple logistic regression was conducted to determine the association between couple pregnancy intentions and RRP.

Nearly half (49.4%) of women had RRP. Approximately 15% of respondents reported discordant couple pregnancy intentions and 22%, maternal and paternal unintendedness. Compared to couples who both intended their pregnancy (M+P+), the odds of RRP was higher when fathers intended pregnancy but not mothers (adjusted odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-4.35) and lower if fathers did not intend pregnancy but mothers did (adjusted odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.85). No difference was observed between concordant couple pregnancy intentions (M-P- vs M+P+).

Findings highlight the important role of paternal intention in reproductive decisions. Study results suggest that RRP is strongly influenced by paternal rather than maternal pregnancy intentions. Clinicians and public health workers should involve partners in family planning discussions and counseling on optimal birth spacing.