Survey Reveals Women Trying to Get Pregnant Report Loneliness and Self-Blame

A new survey commissioned by First Response™ in collaboration with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association shows that women report feeling lonely, blame themselves and find misinformation as they are trying to get pregnant. The survey of 1,000 U.S. women ages 25-34 who were actively trying to conceive in the last 12 months found that a majority of women (62%) wish they knew how emotional the journey would be and 39% underestimated how lonely they would feel. More than two-thirds of women trying to conceive (68%) are worried about their ability to become pregnant and one-third were concerned that not being able to get pregnant would be their fault (32%).

“While trying to start or grow your family is a joyous time, it can be filled with worry and stress, especially if you are struggling to get pregnant,” said Barbara Collura, President and CEO of RESOLVE. “We understand the multitude of concerns and emotions experienced during this time, and the survey results reaffirm the importance of ensuring women and couples have the support they need as they go through their pregnancy journeys. That is why we, along with long-standing partners like First Response, continue to build and put resources into our support groups and educational activities like National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), to let them know their experiences are completely valid.”

Globally, 1 in 6 people are affected by infertility and 1 in 7 women in the U.S., ages 15-49, have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. More than 3 in 5 women currently trying to conceive (63%) know someone who has experienced infertility, including 41% who have a close friend or family member who has experienced it. The results also found:

• 77% did not think about their ability to get pregnant until after they decided to try for a baby.
• A majority (57%) didn’t realize how long it would take to get pregnant.
• Almost 2 in 5 women who are trying (38%) wish they knew how much conflicting information there was before they began attempting to get pregnant.
• While over half have talked to friends (57%) or family members (56%), only 42% have spoken to a health care provider and 24% discussed their pregnancy journey with a mental health expert. Only 16% sought out a support group to talk to.
• 93% of women believe at least three misconceptions about trying to get pregnant when given a knowledge test about common facts regarding pregnancy. Among the most common myths believed to be true are that long-term birth control use affects fertility and that infertility can only be addressed through in vitro fertilization (50%) or intrauterine insemination (21%).

“It is encouraging to see that more people are opening up to loved ones about their fertility journey, but we have more work to do when it comes to increasing the dialogue on how it changes people’s lives,” said Elizabeth Grill, Psy.D., Director of Psychological Services at the Center for Reproductive Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and RESOLVE Board Chair. “Once someone gets to the point that they are dealing with infertility, they often feel isolated and discouraged. Prioritizing conversations about mental and emotional health early on can help ensure resources are available from day one of trying to conceive.”

Support Desert

When dealing with infertility, support is very crucial. However, not everyone has access. More than 2 in 5 women trying to conceive (42%) do not have local access to infertility support groups and treatment. Rural women – 62% - feel they have even less access. Additionally, 41% are concerned they don’t know what resources are available to them. Women who have access to local infertility support groups and treatments are more than twice as likely to use these resources (21% vs. 10% without access). This can empower women to reach out to others as well. Women with access to infertility support groups and treatment in their area report that they are more likely to reach out to family members (59%) or health care and mental health providers (56%) than those without options in their communities.

For nearly 20 years, First Response has supported RESOLVE’s mission to empower the infertility community through providing resources and support for individuals and couples on their family building journey. RESOLVE’s website has many resources that empower, educate and equip couples that can help address roadblocks in conceiving, including free support groups. The Pregnancy Hub by First Response™ serves as another resource for the infertility community that aims to connect and inspire those navigating trying to conceive.

“Everyone’s path to pregnancy is different and First Response is committed to providing resources and education for every pregnancy journey,” said Amala Ifediora, Brand Manager for First Response. “Our enduring partnership with RESOLVE and support of NIAW is an important aspect to building awareness of infertility challenges and furthering the conversation of what that experience is like. We are so honored to collaborate with RESOLVE on this survey to highlight how women are currently feeling when it comes to trying to conceive.”

Founded in 1989 by RESOLVE, NIAW is a movement to break down barriers for people who need help building their families and empowers them to share their stories. Visit infertilityawareness.org and follow @resolveorg and @firstresponsepregnancy on social media to learn more about NIAW 2024.

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,000 U.S. women, ages 25-34, who have been trying to conceive over the past 12 months, “Trying to Conceive” defined as trying to get pregnant either naturally or with assistance, between March 27 and April 7, 2024, using an email invitation and an online survey.

About RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association: Established in 1974, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association is a non-profit organization with the only established nationwide network mandated to promote reproductive health and to ensure equal access to all family-building options for anyone experiencing infertility or challenges in building their family. One in eight U.S. couples of childbearing age has trouble conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. RESOLVE addresses this public health issue by providing community to all who need it, connecting them with others who can help, empowering them to find resolution and giving voice to their demands for access to all family-building options. For more information, visit www.RESOLVE.org.

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