Moving Up the "Magic Moment": Fathers' Experience of Prenatal Ultrasound

Abstract

Expectant fathers in the U.S. frequently accompany their partner to a prenatal ultrasound, yet little is known about how fathers experience ultrasound attendance. This is an important knowledge gap because studies have shown strong and consistent associations between a father's prenatal and postnatal involvement, and efforts to actively engage fathers at ultrasound may have longitudinal impact. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 fathers after ultrasound, analyzed data using principles of grounded theory, and built a conceptual model of how fathers experience ultrasound. Results suggest that ultrasound attendance contributes to paternal feelings of connection to the unborn baby and motivation to change behavior. Ultrasound appointments may offer an opportunity to engage men to promote positive partnering and parenting across the lifespan.Evidence has accumulated demonstrating that fathers' parenting has an important influence on children's development and that fathers' influence on child development is distinct from that of mothers (Grossmann et al.

Men's Confrontation with Pregnancy from Women's Point of View: an Ethno Phenomenological Approach

“…20 In another study, men experienced severe disturbances when confronted with pregnancy. 37 In the present study, the spouses expressed concerns about remaining alone and not receiving women's attention as before pregnancy. These results were consistent with the fact that the concentration of the pregnant woman on the fetus, reduced their attention to their husbands and other family members, and occasionally caused the spouse's indignation .…”

“…Also, little knowledge is available on the. 7,37 On the other hand, due to the changes which have occurred in gender roles of women and men and the fundamental changes in the structure and characteristics of families, as well as the sensitive nature of the gender relationships in the Iranian culture, 38,39 it is noteworthy to understand the context of men's encountering pregnancy. 40 There are few studies in this regard, but one study showed that men and women have different cultural beliefs and attitudes in relation to the household responsibilities.…”

Transition to Fatherhood in the Contet of Prematurity From Prenancy to the hird Month after Dischare

“…For this father, one of the aspects that seemed to have helped him to identify with his daughter since the pregnancy was his participation in the ultrasound scans. Corroborating the fi ndings of Walsh et al (2014), this technology can help parents perceive the reality of the pregnancy and the baby, making it easier to connect with their child.…”

Using Technology in Social Work Practice: The mDad (Mobile Device Assisted Dad) Case Study

“…Fifth, our approach was informed by evidence that pregnancy and the birth of a new child present a moment of high parental motivation when fathers are likely to be more receptive to parenting information and services. Therefore, the perinatal period presents a window of opportunity to engage fathers in intervention to promote the development of positive father-child relationships (Dubowitz, 2002;McLanahan, Garfinkel, Mincy, & Donahue, 2010;Walsh, Tolman, et al, 2014). Our survey of the research illuminated the many real and perceived barriers that fathers face in engaging with services, including lack of availability of parenting education specific to fathers and lack of father-friendly content.…”