Relationship Breaker? Unplanned Births and Relationship Dissolution

This study explores the association between unplanned pregnancies resulting in a birth and relationship dissolution in the Netherlands. Using prospective, population-based birth cohort data from Rotterdam, the second largest city in the Netherlands, it finds that couples with an unplanned pregnancy resulting in a birth have a 19% higher predicted probability of experiencing relationship dissolution by the time their child is five years, relative to those whose pregnancy was planned. This pattern was found despite the Netherlands’ favourable social benefits and family-friendly employment opportunities, which could alleviate stressors associated with unexpected parenthood. We further examined whether this association varied by birth order and socioeconomic status, as both may impact the level of stress associated with an unplanned pregnancy resulting in a birth. The association did not differ between first and higher-order births. However, socioeconomic status did moderate the association: the relationship between unplanned pregnancies leading to a birth and relationship dissolution was stronger among women with higher educational attainment than among those with medium educational attainment. This pattern may reflect differences in role expectations and time allocation, as higher educated women are often more strongly invested in their careers, and may face greater challenges in adjusting work and family commitments following an unplanned pregnancy resulting in a birth. In summary, this study emphasizes the importance of considering birth intention in understanding separation outcomes of families with young children, a factor largely overlooked in European literature on separation and divorce. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this link.