Paternal experiences of pregnancy and labour

Abstract

To evaluate first time fathers' experiences during pregnancy and to compare labour experiences between three different modes of delivery. Fathers whose partners delivered at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital were given a questionnaire postnatally before their partners' discharge from hospital. Fathers rated their experiences of pregnancy and labour on a visual analogue scale. 142 fathers completed the questionnaire. Fathers became progressively more connected to the pregnancy feeling most connected to it during the scans and when feeling fetal movements. Throughout labour fathers in emergency deliveries felt more anxious, helpless and frustrated compared to fathers in spontaneous vaginal deliveries (SVD) and elective/semi-elective caesarean sections (CS). Fathers in emergency deliveries felt labour did not match their expectations more so than those fathers in SVDs. Health professionals should be sensitive to fathers' needs during their transition towards fatherhood and their role during labour should be assessed regularly.

Father for the first time - development and validation of a questionnaire to assess fathers’ experiences of first childbirth (FTFQ)

“…It is known from earlier research that CS and ID fathers are more worried and less prepared for the situation [23,30]. As expected, the CS and ID group had significantly higher scores (p = 0.000) on the factor Worry and the CS had significantly higher scores on the factor Information (p = 0.03).…”

“…the ability of the questionnaire to distinguish between subgroups known to differ on key socio demographic or clinical variables. Based on previous research [23,30], it was hypothesized that first-time fathers whose child was delivered with caesarean section would express more negative attitudes than fathers whose child was delivered vaginally. Moreover, it was expected that young fathers [31,32] and immigrant fathers [33,34] would be more distressed, unprepared and in need of more support during childbirth.…”

Few fathers‐to‐be prefer caesarean section for the birth of their baby

“…In addition, a father's psychological response during a caesarean section has been described as anxiety, helplessness and frustration. 8 Prospective fathers' preferences for a caesarean section in this study cannot explain the increasing caesarean section rate in Sweden. Further studies are needed to better understand how fathers' attitudes and preferences about the mode of birth influence the mode of delivery and parental experience.…”

A Birth Education Program for Expectant Fathers in Taiwan: Effects on Their Anxiety

“…Many research studies demonstrate that support from partners during labor has beneficial effects, such as having a satisfying childbirth experience, reduced labor pain, less medication, and a more positive attitude toward the next pregnancy (3–5). The presence of expectant fathers during childbirth is also an important part of the process of becoming fathers (6). Fathers who attend their partners' labor have reported the importance of their support for uniting the family and bringing it closer together, and deepening relationships with their partners and creating a bond with their babies immediately after birth (1).…”

“…process of becoming fathers (6). Fathers who attend their partners' labor have reported the importance of their support for uniting the family and bringing it closer together, and deepening relationships with their partners and creating a bond with their babies immediately after birth (1).…”