Impact of maternal activity restriction for preterm labor on the expectant father

To describe the impact on expectant fathers of their partners' activity-restricted pregnancies.

Qualitative.

Private physician practices and two teaching hospitals in a large southern city.

Self-selected sample of 15 fathers recruited within 2 weeks of initiation of their partners' activity restriction for high-risk pregnancy (phase 1) and 15 fathers recruited 1-2 years after a previous experience with their partners' activity-restricted pregnancies (phase 2).

In phase 1, two semistructured interviews during the period of activity restriction and one interview after the birth. In phase 2, one semistructured, focus group interview.

Fathers reported high levels of worrying immediately after diagnosis of their partners' preterm labor and initiation of activity restriction. Later, fathers also reported distress related to responsibility for child care, household management, and maintaining a supportive environment for their partners. Fathers reported few sources of personal support and little or no contact with health professionals during their partners' activity restriction.

Activity restriction during pregnancy may have a significant psychological impact on expectant fathers. High levels of emotional distress may result in family disruption. Systematic nursing assessment and intervention may prevent or ameliorate distress.