[Fathers in the delivery room--an East/West comparison]

The attendance of fathers in the delivery room to accompany the women giving birth is in Germany quite common. In this study we wanted to compare the results of a questionnaire on feelings, intention an anxiety of attending fathers in an east and west German maternity hospital. Although social acceptance of fathers in the delivery room in the eastern part of Germany is delayed by 10 years (compared to western clinics) the over all impression of attending fathers was similar. We aid find differences concerning the expectations, the way of mental preparing and considerations participating the approaching birth in east and west questionared fathers. The results also showed variable knowledge in respect of pregnancy and birth. We do think that after a time of ("father") experience in the east part of Germany the expression of opinion will adjust.