An integrative review of fathers' experiences during pregnancy and childbirth

While fathers are increasingly expected to participate during their partners' pregnancies and childbirth and many studies have reported their experiences during these periods, no review studies have examined fathers' experiences and needs during pregnancy and childbirth together.

To provide an overview of evidence on fathers' experiences and needs during their partners' pregnancies and childbirth to identify any gaps in the existing literature and practice.

An integrative literature review was performed to analyse and synthesize fathers' experiences and/or needs during pregnancy and/or childbirth based on articles published in CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases between the years 2002 and 2012. Only articles found in the National University of Singapore's online library collection were retrieved.

Altogether, 25 studies (six quantitative and 19 qualitative studies) that reported fathers' experiences during pregnancy (n = 8), childbirth (n = 13) or during both periods (n = 4) were reviewed. Fathers experienced mixed feelings both during pregnancy and childbirth. They required support from their partners and healthcare professionals and wanted to be informed, involved and respected. However, more studies are needed to explore this phenomenon in different cultural contexts or care models.

This review provides evidence for healthcare professionals to pay more attention to fathers when delivering perinatal care. Sociocultural-sensitive interventions should be developed to facilitate a smoother transition to fatherhood.

Father-specific information should be given to prepare fathers for pregnancy and childbirth. Healthcare professionals and policymakers should take fathers' feelings and concerns into consideration and provide family-centred care to the couple during the antenatal and intrapartum periods.