Why are first time expectant fathers afraid of birth? : A qualitative study. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Serçekuş, Pınar; Vardar, Okan; Göral Türkçü, Sinem; Özkan, Sevgi
• Is Part Of: European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology. Volume 254(2020)
• Page Start: 231
• Page End: 235
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Antenatal education -- Cesarean section -- Expectant fathers -- Fear of childbirth; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Reproductive health -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Obstétrique -- Périodiques; Gynécologie -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; Verloskunde; Gynaecologie; Voortplanting (biologie); Gynecology; Obstetrics; Reproduction; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.09.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-2115

Abstract

Highlights: Most of the first-time expectant fathers are afraid of the complications that could develop during childbirth. Expectant fathers were afraid of damage to their partner's reproductive organs and of their partners experiencing incontinence in the future. The main reason for the fears of fathers were the negative stories heard frequently about childbirth from their surroundings and from the social media. Not making the prenatal diagnostic tests for fetal health were also the cause of fears for the health of the newborn. The fear of childbirth by the partner also creates a fear of childbirth in fathers. Abstract: Objective: To determine the fears associated with childbirth among first time expectant fathers and the reasons for these fears. Study Design: A descriptive, phenomenological approach was used. The sampling was composed of 16 men who were first time expectant fathers, who were at least primary school graduates, who were 18 years of age or older, whose partner was in her final trimester week of pregnancy, who did not have any psychiatric problems and who stated that they had a fear of childbirth. Results: The data were collected under the two main themes of fears about childbirth and the reasons for the fears. It was found that the expectant fathers had fears associated with the complications that could develop during childbirth and with the health personnel. Conclusions: There were various fears associated with childbirth among expectant fathers. The reasons for the fears were mostly the negative stories heard. Health personnel have important duties in defining and decreasing the fears of expectant fathers associated with childbirth. It should not be forgotten that expectant fathers are also a part of childbirth in antenatal education.