Changes in relationship satisfaction across the transition to parenthood: A meta-analysis

Meta-analysis of 37 transition-to-parenthood studies plus 4 newlywed comparison studies. Found significant small declines in relationship satisfaction from pregnancy to ~11 months postpartum (g = -0.23 men, g = -0.27 women), larger over 12-14 months. Childless newlyweds showed comparable declines, suggesting part of the drop reflects normative early-marriage change rather than parenthood alone.