The impact of the first child on marital happiness.

The effects of the first child on parent's marital happiness were studied using a sample of 185 subjects. Marital happiness scores were found to be lower in the subjects who were pregnant, those with 5-month-old children, and those with 24-month old children than the childless couples. This study suggests trends indicating that first children may influence marital happiness in a negative manner. These findings will assist nurses in the preparation of families for childbearing and the potential changes that may result.