Why are first time expectant fathers afraid of birth? : A qualitative study.

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.