Motivation and emotion/Book/2024/Intentional pregnancy motivation

Intentional pregnancy motivation:
What motivational factors contribute to intentional pregnancy?

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Overview

Figure 1. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common form of assisted reproductive technology and is the strongest example of intentional pregnancy. Case study While still in there early twenties, Australian couple Jess and Steve began their first round of invitro fertilisation (IVF). Now, five years later, they have gone through 13 rounds of IVF without achieving a successful pregnancy, and the financial and emotional toll has been immense. After countless appointments with fertility specialists, all the rounds of IVF, and many cross country trips for egg collection or special medications, the couple estimates that the total financial toll exceeds $120,000. Even after all this physical, emotional and financial turmoil, the couple says they are not ready to give up and hope to fall pregnant soon (Honeybone, 2022). This continued faith could be attributed to expectancy theory as the couple is motived by the belief that the more effort they excerpt, the more likely they are to succeed.

• First and foremost, what is intentional pregnancy? As the name suggests, intentional pregnancy refers to the conscious and informed decision to intentionally conceive a child and carry them to term. This excludes unplanned or accidental pregnancies, pregnancies via force, and child pregnancy. This chapter does not pertain to the motivations behind wanting children as there are other avenues that have nothing to do with being personally pregnant (such as adoption and surrogacy) which can achieve this goal.
• pregnancy is often referred to as the miracle of life because of its value, its complexity, and its reverence. But this incredible childbearing ability comes at a cost. Even in the best case scenario, pregnant women still risk or experience a drastic change in lifestyle, mild discomfort and pain, a series of unpleasant symptoms and require weeks long recovery periods. In the worst case scenario, extreme pain, genetic abnormalities, mental illness, sickness, disability, permanent bodily damage and death is risked and experienced. Despite these risks, every year millions of women choose to fall pregnant and carry to term with many women choosing to do it multiple times. In cases where infertility or illness plays a role, modern medical science has made falling pregnant via invitro fertilisation (IVF) possible (see figure 1). But IVF comes at a cost that can be as much of a financial burden as it is a physical one yet many couples undergo at least 3 rounds of IVF before they are successful. Even after conception is achieved either naturally or artificially, some women experience the tragedy of a miscarriage. In other areas of life a loss or trauma so significant would deter someone from trying something again yet 76% of women try to conceive again within 6 months (Schliep et al., 2016). This may speak to the very potency of the women's motivation to have a successful pregnancy irrespective of the reasons for the motivation.
• So, why do they do it? What makes the desire to be pregnant stronger than the basic instinct of self preservation? This chapter specifically explores the biological, cultural, religious and social motivations behind choosing to fall pregnant, carry to term and give birth.

Focus questions How do biological factors influence intentional pregnancy? How do cultural factors influence intentional pregnancy? How do religious factors influence intentional pregnancy? How do social factors influence intentional pregnancy?

Biological motivation

• The biological motivations behind pregnancy are rooted in evolutionary, hormonal, and instinctual factors. These motivations drive the desire to conceive, carry, and give birth to a child. Without these biological factors driving reproduction the human race would have died out centuries ago.

Hormonal

• Oxytocin is responsible for feelings of love, comfort and care. It is released during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. the release of this hormone helps mother and baby bond, reinforcing the desire to nurture and protect via the maternal instinct. This strong hormone can cloud otherwise negative experiences to further motivate women to become and stay pregnant (Prevost et al., 2014). Oxytocin and motivation.
• Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and a luteinizing hormone have influence in regulating women's bodies via the menstrual cycle and determines how likely a woman is to conceive. These hormones create conditions in the body that promote fertility and pregnancy. During various phases of the menstrual cycle such as the ovulation phase, women may have a higher sex drive which can contribute to pregnancy motivation.
• the hormone prolactin is also associated with maternal behaviors and instincts. Higher levels of prolactin can enhance a woman's inclination to care and nurture, reinforcing the motivation to become pregnant.

Influence of hormones on emotion

Evolutionary

• From an evolutionary perspective, the primary biological motivation for pregnancy is the continuation of the species. Just like most living things, humans have an innate drive to reproduce and pass on their genetic material to their offspring.
• The passing on of genes that pregnancy allows ensures that the pregnant female and the male's genetic traits continue in the population. The desire to reproduce is partly driven by the evolutionary impulse to contribute to the gene pool and make sure that your specific traits are carried on.
• drive theory could assist in explaining why humans are motivated to become pregnant. The homeostatic disturbance of the human sex drive and instinct to reproduce acts as an effective motivator for pregnancy.

Cultural motivation

Tradition and Ritual

• In some cultures, pregnancy and childbirth are seen as ways to ensure that cultural traditions, language, and values survive the passage of time. Parents may feel a strong motivation to pass on their cultural identity to the next generation by having biological children.
• many cultures have the tradition where pregnancy and childbirth are celebrated through specific rituals or rites of passage. Being able to participate in these traditions could be strong motivators for pregnancy.
• Desire to remain included in these rituals and traditions can contribute to the choice to become pregnant as women feel belonging motivation.

Status and community pressure

• Cultural expectations of the role of women and children can create pressure to become pregnant so they the cycles of ways of life can continue.
• In some cultures, social status and prestige can be linked to whether or not you have children and whether those children are males. Families with many children may be regarded with respect or admiration, especially if there are many sons. This encourages multiple pregnancies until a son is born.
• In cultures where carrying on the family name or lineage is highly valued, families may put pressure on women to become pregnant. In these cases pregnancy is the only option as bloodlines are considered important.

Religious motivation

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Purity and Holiness

• Many religions emphasize the sanctity of life. they often view pregnancy and childbirth as sacred acts that bring new life into the world and therefore should be protected. This belief can inspire individuals to see pregnancy as a holy and pure endeavor and act as a strong motivator.
• Some religious traditions teach that the experience of pregnancy can lead to spiritual growth and deeper connection with the divine. This belief in a higher power and possible enlightenment is extremely motivating.
• Incentive theory could explain this motivation as women who become pregnant weigh its risks against divine incentive which can be a strong motivator especially if they believe their faith will protect them throughout the pregnancy (Killeen, 1981).

Religious Teachings and Commandments

• Stories, testimonies and teachings from religious texts, such as the Bible, Torah, or Quran, often highlight the importance of procreation and the blessings of children (Blume, 2024).
• In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad encouraged marriage and having children as a means of building a strong and faithful community. Such teachings can motivate believers to pursue pregnancy.
• Many religions encourage and teach believers to "be fruitful and multiply," viewing procreation as a divine commandment. In these faiths, having children is often seen as fulfilling God's will and that one would not fall pregnant unless God willed it.

Social motivation

Societal norms

• alternative methods of having children such as surrogacy and adoption may either be looked down upon or judged. Due to pregnancy being the "norm", it is often the safest route in terms of society's judgment.
• Societal norms that celebrate pregnancy and childbirth, such as baby showers, christenings, and other rituals, can create a positive social environment that encourages pregnancy as women feel it is something they want to experience.
• Societal expectations regarding gender roles can motivate pregnancy, with women often encouraged to fulfill their role and being looked down upon when they do not.

Other

• The societal importance of maintaining a family lineage or legacy can be a significant motivator, particularly in cultures where ancestry and heritage are highly valued.
• Strong community support systems, such as extended families, religious communities, or social groups, can make pregnancy and raising children more appealing and feasible, reducing the perceived challenges and costs. This is a strong motivator as women do not feel like they are going through pregnancy alone.
• In some societies, having children is seen as a form of social security. Children are expected to support their parents in old age, creating a practical motivation for having offspring.

Conclusion

The various motivations behind intentional pregnancy are multifaceted and influenced by a complex interplay of biological, cultural, religious, societal, and personal factors. The reasons behind the choice to become pregnant varies between each individual. What motivates some, may discourage others. Together, these motivations reflect the deep-rooted and universal significance of pregnancy across different societies and belief systems, shaping how individuals and communities approach the concept of bringing new life into the world.

See also

• Drive theory (book chapter, 2023)
• Oxytocin and motivation (Wikipedia)
• Invitro fertilisation (Wikipedia)

References

Blume, M. (2024). APA PsycNet. Apa.org; American Psychology Association . https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2010-09624-008

Grant, A. D., & Erickson, E. N. (2022). Birth, love, and fear: Physiological networks from pregnancy to parenthood. Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology, 11(1), 100138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100138

Honeybone, E. (2022, January 31). Jess and Steve have had 13 failed IVF cycles. It’s cost them $120,000. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-01/how-jess-and-steve-endured-13-ivf-cycles/100792618

Killeen, P. (1981). APA PsycNet. Psycnet.apa.org; American Psychology Association . https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1982-31908-001

Prevost, M., Zelkowitz, P., Tulandi, T., Hayton, B., Feeley, N., Carter, C. S., Joseph, L., Pournajafi-Nazarloo, H., Yong Ping, E., Abenhaim, H., & Gold, I. (2014). Oxytocin in Pregnancy and the Postpartum: Relations to Labor and Its Management. Frontiers in Public Health, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2014.00001

Schliep, K. C., Mitchell, E. M., Mumford, S. L., Radin, R. G., Zarek, S. M., Sjaarda, L., & Schisterman, E. F. (2016). Trying to Conceive After an Early Pregnancy Loss. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 127(2), 204–212. https://doi.org/10.1097/aog.0000000000001159

External links

 Move academic sources into references and cite

• Religious beliefs and practices in pregnancy and labour (National Library of Medicine)
• Evolutionary Perspectives on Pregnancy (Columbia University Press)