SEARCHSYSTEMATIC_REVIEWobstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics

systematic_review·obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, public health, systematic review·PMC10018843

Fatherhood and high-risk pregnancy: a scoping review

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth · 3 authors, 1 centre

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TL;DR

This scoping review synthesized 15 studies to map the existing literature on fathers' experiences during high-risk pregnancies. It identified four key themes, including fathers' feelings of exclusion from healthcare and the lasting psychological impact.

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This scoping review aimed to map the existing literature on fathers' experiences during high-risk pregnancies. Four key themes emerged: 1) fathers' feelings of exclusion from healthcare professionals and the hospital environment, 2) the significant psychological impact on fathers, including anxiety, powerlessness, and burnout, 3) fathers redefining their role, often balancing caregiving with breadwinning, and 4) fathers' recommendations for improved support. The review highlights a general lack of focus on fathers' perspectives and the long-lasting trauma they experience. The authors conclude that a family-centered approach is needed to support all family members during high-risk pregnancies.

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systematic_review

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obstetrics and gynecology

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ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10018843

Fatherhood and high-risk pregnancy: a scoping review

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

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ABSTRACT

Background The experience of expectant parenthood is commensurate of relative angst and nervousness albeit one of overall excitement and joy. However, when the pregnancy is regarded as high-risk, this experience changes dramatically for both parents. While literature on high-risk pregnancies is gaining traction, the focus is predominantly on the mother’s experiences and therefore, a paucity exists in exploring the father’s experiences of a high-risk pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the current extent of literature focusing on father’s experiences of a high-risk pregnancy using a scoping review methodology. Method Nine databases were reviewed using the EBSCOHost metadatabase: Academic Search Complete ; APA PsychArticles ; CINAHL Plus with full-text ; Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition ; MasterFILE Premier ; MasterFILE Reference eBook Collection ; MEDLINE ; SocINDEX with full-text ; and eBook Collection . Data was extracted according to the following headings: Authors (including the year of publication) ; aim of the study ; research context ; research design ; sample characteristics ; and key findings . Results Fifteen studies were included in this review. A narrative synthesis was applied within which 4 key themes emerged from the data: (1) The father versus the healthcare professional and the hospital environment ; (2) The impact of high-risk pregnancies on fathers ; (3) Redefining the role of ‘father’ after experiencing high-risk pregnancy and (4) Focus on fathers: Recommendations for support during high-risk pregnancies . Conclusion The findings of this study highlights the importance of the inclusion of men and fathers in supporting both his partner and (un)born child. The findings further illustrated the long-lasting impact of trauma felt by men which constrained his ability to support his family. A family-centred approach is needed to further support the family and the impact of a high-risk pregnancy on all members within the family unit.

CITATION EXPORT

Kyle Jackson, Erika Erasmus, Ntobizodwa Mabanga. Fatherhood and high-risk pregnancy: a scoping review. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-05422-x

AUTHORS

3 · 1 CENTRES

Kyle Jackson, Erika Erasmus, Ntobizodwa Mabanga

grid.8974.20000 0001 2156 8226Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Cape Town, 7535 South Africa