Unintended Pregnancy


RESEARCH



Pregnancy Intentions and Mental Health Study

Researchers at the UCSF Bixby Center are conducting a study to understand and document the mental health con­sequences of unintended pregnancy. This study explores the experiences and outcomes of women who suspect pregnancy and seek a pregnancy test. We will follow women who have a positive pregnancy test as well as those who have a negative result to examine the effect of pregnancy and pregnancy intentions on women’s mood, mental health, and decision-making. Although our primary focus is on women’s experiences, we will also gather information about the health and wellbeing of children born to women who have a positive test result and continue their pregnancies.

The Study of Pregnancy Intentions and Mental Health (PIMH) has four major aims:

    1. To understand the effects of women’s mental health, including mood, anxiety and depression, on their desire for and ability to make decisions about pregnancy and contraception.
    2. To assess the impact of unintended pregnancy on women’s mental health.
    3. To evaluate the relationship, if any, between mental health status and decisions to continue or terminate unintended pregnancies.
    4. To document the physical and psychological responses to abortion compared to carrying an unintended pregnancy to term.

PIMH Study Summary (PDF)