No abstract

Pregnancy, rather than the postnatal period, would appear to be the most stressful period for men undergoing the transition to parenthood. The results suggest that the most important changes occur relatively early in pregnancy. Thereafter, lack of change (rather than change) is the most noteworthy feature. These men appeared to be ill-prepared for the impact of parenthood on their lives, especially in terms of the sexual relationship. Further research to determine the timing and trigger of stress in pregnancy is recommended.

Maternal-foetal attachment represents the earliest and most basic form of human intimacy, and has both theoretical and clinical significance. Utilizing a previously published self-report questionnaire to assess antenatal attachment, the present paper explores its correlates using 238 women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Extrapolating from studies of maternal-infant attachment, it was hypothesized that depression and a lack of social support would be detrimental to the development of maternal antenatal attachment. The findings confirmed these hypothesized effects. In particular, the subgroup of women having low attachment was characterized by high levels of depression and anxiety, low levels of social support (outside the partner relationship) and high levels of control, domination and criticism within the partner relationship. Antenatal attachment may be predictive for future maternal-infant attachment. The findings suggest that negative mood states and lack of social support during pregnancy may warrant greater attention than has previously been accorded them.

Psychological distress among expectant fathers is associated with a range of psychological variables, particularly poor marital relationship and poor social networks. This is consistent with a general vulnerability model for psychological distress. Fathers who had insufficient information about pregnancy and childbirth were also at risk of being distressed, suggesting that more attention needs to be paid to providing information to men about their partner's pregnancy, childbirth and issues relating to caring for a newborn infant.