The experiences of husbands present at their wives' emergency cesarean sections

The aim of this study was to clarify the experiences of husbands present at their wives' emergency cesarean sections. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for nine husbands who attended their wives' emergency cesarean sections. The results were analyzed using a qualitative inductive approach. Several categories such as [wife's labor pain will be unbearable if I look], [situation was beyond one's control], and [sense of relief experienced by midwife care] were extracted from the husbands' experiences the need for an emergency cesarean section was established. Additional categories such as [sense of relief at cesarean section decision], [convincing oneself], and [anxiety for life and hope for safety] were extracted at the time of the emergency cesarean section decision. Other categories [anxiety while waiting for prolonged periods], [ease of mind with family], and [pleasure in meeting the baby] were extracted from the husbands' experiences while waiting for their wives' cesarean section. Finally, the categories of [unloading of responsibilities], [to thank my wife], and [remaining anxious and fearful] were extracted from the husbands' experiences on their wives return to their hospital rooms. Husbands were anxious about the life and safety of their wife and child, and considered their futures in case of an unexpected occurrence. J. Med. Invest. 65:268-273, August, 2018.