First-time fathers' experiences and needs during pregnancy and childbirth: a descriptive qualitative study

to explore first-time fathers' experiences and needs during their wives' pregnancy and childbirth in Singapore.

a descriptive qualitative was conducted. Participants were recruited from two obstetric wards in a tertiary hospital in Singapore from November to December 2012. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were used to collect data and themes from the interviews were generated using thematic analysis.

a purposive sample of 16 first-time fathers aged above 21 years who accompanied their wives throughout pregnancy and childbirth were recruited from the postnatal wards between one to three days after the birth of their children.

four themes emerged from 16 subthemes: (1) Emotional changes experienced; (2) Adaptive and supportive behaviours adopted; (3) Social support received and (4) Suggestions for improvement to the current maternity care. First-time fathers experienced a range of emotions from being happy and excited to feeling shocked and worried and to feeling calm. Adaptive and supportive behaviours were adopted to deal with the pregnancy changes and better support their wives. In the course of their transition to fatherhood, they also received support from their family, friends, workplaces and the health care professionals. Fathers suggested more information, timely, empathetic and professional care be given and a review to the current administrative/logistical policies.

all fathers modified their behaviours for the sake of protecting their wives and unborn children. Support from their family, friends, workplaces and the health care professionals was invaluable and greatly appreciated.

health care professionals can guide and support fathers by providing them with more information and preparing them for the unknown changes. Future studies are needed to develop intervention programme for fathers to improve their experiences and adaptive behaviours.