#Secondaryinfertility

Secondary infertility—difficulty conceiving after having a first child—is rising globally and now concerns Thai families as well. New studies and human-interest accounts show an increase in cases and the often-overlooked emotional burden on parents, shaped by shifting demographics and social expectations in Thailand.

The narrative is underscored by a poignant case in which a mother describes profound guilt for not providing a second child for her son. In Thai communities, this pressure is magnified by the belief in the importance of sibling support and family completeness, a cultural cue that can intensify distress when pregnancy planning goes awry.

Secondary infertility, a condition where couples struggle to conceive after successfully having had at least one child, is becoming an increasing concern among families worldwide, including here in Thailand. Recent reports and new research highlight not only a steady rise in cases but also the typically overlooked emotional turmoil experienced by affected parents—an issue that has resonated with many Thai families amid shifting demographics and social expectations.

The significance of this trend is well-captured by the candid story of Charlotte Bennett, as reported in The Times. Bennett, already a mother, described the “horrendous” guilt of being unable to give her six-year-old son a sibling, despite years of effort. For many parents, secondary infertility brings an unexpected and deeply personal form of distress, often complicated by cultural expectations and misconceptions that once a couple has had one child, further pregnancies should be easy and natural (The Times).