Van Balen et al. (1996) compared the experience of childbirth
among ART, PI SC and SC groups of first-time mothers with a
singleton baby. The experience of the birth was evaluated
on three-dimensions: ‘enjoyment’, ‘exceptionality’ and ‘stress’
on three-point scales. The ART and PI SC groups rated the birth
as a more ‘exceptional’ event than did mothers who had conceived
without difficulty but it was not elaborated what this might have
meant. There were no group differences on reported ‘enjoyment’
or ‘stress’. The clinical implications of these dimensions were
not discussed and mode of delivery was not reported.