Father’s involvement in pregnancy |
The benefit of father’s involvement in pregnancy and by extension maternal and newborn health (MNH) cannot be overemphasized. Although pregnancy has always been perceived as a woman’s domain, men are merely considered minor players in the entire affair.
Mounting evidence indicates that father’s involvement in pregnancy has multiple benefits which include improved maternal mental health, a reduction in poor maternal health behaviours such as smoking, a reduction in maternal depression, a reduction in infant mortality risks, and increased access to prenatal and postnatal treatments for mothers (Yargawa and Leonardi-Bee, 2015).
On the other hand, absence of father involvement and support during pregnancy have been implicated in increased maternal depression, poor maternal hygiene, increased maternal stress and high risks of infant mortality.
Given the patriarchal nature of most Asian and African society, with it’s ascribed gender roles – which in some places restricts women’s capacity to be independent or necessitates that they have a male relative in order to get healthcare services. (Byrd & Betron, 2015) – it is very crucial to encourage participation and involvement of men in antenatal (ANC), postnatal (PNC) and intrapartum care so as to improve both access and utilization maternal health care services by women.
ANC visits are a great place to start when trying to reduce preventable pregnant and newborn mortality rates because they give expecting mothers and their families access to key services and information that will ensure a successful pregnancy and childbirth.
Men’s active participation in pregnancy help to improve their knowledge of and access to maternal and neonatal health issues, which enhances better reproductive health outcome (Yargawa & Leonardi-Bee,2015).
Furthermore, the participation and involvement of men also provide pregnant women with much needed monetary, practical, and moral support as well as encourage them to change their health care-seeking behaviours to address the some of the obstacles to health care utilization. (Tokhi et al.,2018).
Male partner involvement is a key strategy for improving maternal health but there are many obstacles in the way, starting with the culture-gender norms for maternity-related behavior,legislation, as well as structural constraints in healthcare facilities that is not couple-friendly.
Pregnancy can be emotionally and physically exhausting for both expectant mothers and their husband. A pregnant woman needs constant physically and psychologically attention. Husband’s involvement is an important source of psychological support for a mother and her unborn child.
Fathering that is involved is compassionate, intimate, friendly, encouraging, caring, helpful, sympathetic, and understanding.
Involvement can take many different forms, such as providing emotional support or being there for antenatal checks and scans or helping with diaper changes once the baby is delivered.
Some fathers also are involved in decision-making or finding information about childbirth.
Many men find the pregnancy process to be quite perplexing. Being unsure of what to do or how to handle this new change, some men end up absconding from home or abandoning their responsibility rather than providing greater support which their wives need most. Therefore, I decided to write a series for men especially expectant fathers to deal with ins and outs of this really exciting yet stress time a mans life.
Also Read: 9 Life-Changing Benefits Of Having A Father Figure At Home
Benefits of Father’s Involvement in Pregnancy
The role played by a father throughout pregnancy is very beneficial to the woman and her unborn child. Below are some of the benefits of fathers’ Involvement in pregnancy.
#1. Reduces maternal stress and pain.
Through emotional, physical, and financial support, fathers who are actively involved and supportive of their wives throughout pregnancy are able to reduce the stress, discomfort, and other worries that pregnant women experience.
#2. Positive impact on a woman’s self-esteem
Pregnant women who have a supportive husband feel more self-assured and are less likely to experience self-esteem complications during pregnancy.
#3. Lower infant mortality risk
The father’s involvement in pregnancy, their attitude and actions during the antenatal stage, and their relationship with the child’s mother may indirectly affect the risk of infant mortality or unpleasant birth outcomes (Davis, Luchters, and Holmes, 2012).
#4. Impact on the wellness of the unborn child
The health and wellness of the developing baby can be directly impacted by the mother’s emotions because babies in the womb are unable to distinguish between their mother’s feelings and their own. It follows that if a man makes his wife happy and positive during the period of pregnancy, he is indirectly making the baby happy.
According to studies, children who are born into unhappy marriages are five times more likely to exhibit higher levels of anxiety and nervousness than children who are born into happy marriages. Babies who are born nervous or scared are much more likely to grow up into insecure adults. A man who mistreats or abandons his pregnant wife exposes his unborn child to one of the most harmful emotional and physical situations.
#5. Fathers’ involvement in pregnancy influences vital decisions
Research has shown that fathers’ involvement in pregnancy tends to affect important decisions, which lead to better health outcomes for the mother and child. Father involvement during pregnancy is linked to enhanced prenatal care, decreased smoking and alcohol use by mothers, and a decreased risk of low birth weight babies.
#6. Father’s involvement in pregnancy lower your risk of postpartum depression.
Although many factors may increase the risk of depression during pregnancy, the fathers’ involvement in pregnancy has a positive effect on pregnant women’s emotional well-being. Women who receive emotional support from their husbands throughout their pregnancy are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression(Gavin et al., 2005).
#7. Father’s involvement in pregnancy help in proper planning for the family’s resources
The father’s involvement in the pregnancy is very important. It assists couples in making plans together. Cooperation supports thoughtful preparation for the family’s essential requirements, including food, health care, and education- this will strengthen her and serve as a gentle reminder that they both are in this together.
#8. It changes the man.
Evidence abounds that men who have the chance to be involved with their wives’ pregnancy undergo hormone changes as well as other changes. Their testosterone levels decline, thereby causing them to be less aggressive and more involved with and protective of their partner and their children. Engagement during the prenatal stage is also a strong indicator of involvement later in the child’s life, with ongoing benefits.
#9.Benefit to men
Men benefit emotionally from being involved in their wives pregnancy because it engenders greater intimacy. Intimacy helps to improve physical health and also reduces stress. It makes they wife happy and when the wife is happy, there is peace in the home and this will help a man to be less distracted and more productive at work.
#10.Good example to their sons
The impact of a positive father figure can be felt forever. Men who support their wives are good examples for their children especially their sons. Your son’s attitudes, behaviours, and decision-making patterns will be influenced by how they see you treat their mom as they grow up. Realize that your sons are watching and listening to everything you say and do when you are around them as fathers. Your sons will use your behaviour, whether it is good or bad, as a guide for how to live your life.
Conclusion
Don’t be like a “hit and run driver or accept a minimal level of participation in this significant event. Get involved in your wives pregnancy. Take advantage of this crucial period in your life and demonstrate your commitment and love as a responsible father. It is your duty as a devoted husband to help your wife in having a smooth pregnancy.
Reference
Alio AP, Kornosky JL, Mbah AK, Marty PJ, Salihu HM (2010) Effects of paternal involvement on feto-infant morbidity in whites, blacks, and Hispanics.Matern Child Health Journal, 14(5), pp.735-741.
Gavin NI, Gaynes BN, Lohr KN, Meltzer-Brody S, Gartlehner G, Swinson T. Perinatal depression: A systematic review of prevalence and incidence doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000183597.31630.db, 2005;106 (5 Pt 1): 1071-1083.[PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
Yargawa J, Leonardi-Bee J. Male involvement and maternal health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC4453485. doi: 10.1136/jech-2014-204784. [Free PMC article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
