Pregnancy Intentions and Maternal Well-Being

Jessica Su, Cornell University

Extant research suggests that parents are more depressed and stressed than their childless counterparts. Using two waves of data from the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH), this study expands on this body of research by examining the effects of pregnancy intentions —whether a pregnancy was considered intended (planned at the time of conception) or unintended (unwanted or mistimed at conception) — on maternal well-being. The study also considers how factors such as union status, concerns about finances, and relationship conflict mediate the effect of pregnancy intentions.