ISADE KAASATUS RASEDUSAEGSESSE HOOLDUSESSE
Fathers’ participation in antenatal care
Kristel Kukk, Tuuli Larven, Marge Mahla
Abstract For many years the understanding has been developed by the health care system and social models that pregnancy and antenatal care are within the scope of responsibility of pregnant women and midwives. According to good maternity care practice today, it is inconceivable not to involve fathers in the antenatal care of their partners. Fathers’ participation in antenatal care activities would move the care focus from the woman to the family. The purpose of the study was to explore first-time fathers’ views of their participation in antenatal care. Subjects included the individuals who were becoming fathers for the first time and their partners whose pregnancy had lasted for 32 or more gestational weeks. The first-time fathers studied were motivated to participate in their partners’ antenatal care and were in general satisfied with the offered service. Participation in pregnancy and antenatal care meant more contribution to housework and improvement of economic conditions as well as accompanying the partner in the visits to the midwife/gynaecologist and taking part in antenatal classes. First-time fathers felt as if they were abandoned during their visits to the midwife/gynaecologist office and ultrasound examinations as the care was focussing on the woman. Based on the above results the care focus during the visit should involve more fathers by engaging them in discussions, assessing their coping abilities and providing them with positive feedback.
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