Fatherhood and high-risk pregnancy: a scoping review

Kyle Jackson; Erika Erasmus; Ntobizodwa Mabanga

doi:10.1186/s12884-023-05422-x

Fatherhood and high-risk pregnancy: a scoping review

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2023 Mar 16;23(1):168. doi: 10.1186/s12884-023-05422-x.

Authors

Kyle Jackson¹, Erika Erasmus², Ntobizodwa Mabanga²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa. kmjackson@uwc.ac.za.
² Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa.

Abstract

Background: The experience of expectant parenthood is commensurate of relative angst and nervousness albeit one of overall excitement and joy. However, when the pregnancy is regarded as high-risk, this experience changes dramatically for both parents. While literature on high-risk pregnancies is gaining traction, the focus is predominantly on the mother's experiences and therefore, a paucity exists in exploring the father's experiences of a high-risk pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the current extent of literature focusing on father's experiences of a high-risk pregnancy using a scoping review methodology.

Method: Nine databases were reviewed using the EBSCOHost metadatabase: Academic Search Complete; APA PsychArticles; CINAHL Plus with full-text; Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition; MasterFILE Premier; MasterFILE Reference eBook Collection; MEDLINE; SocINDEX with full-text; and eBook Collection. Data was extracted according to the following headings: Authors (including the year of publication); aim of the study; research context; research design; sample characteristics; and key findings.

Results: Fifteen studies were included in this review. A narrative synthesis was applied within which 4 key themes emerged from the data: (1) The father versus the healthcare professional and the hospital environment; (2) The impact of high-risk pregnancies on fathers; (3) Redefining the role of 'father' after experiencing high-risk pregnancy and (4) Focus on fathers: Recommendations for support during high-risk pregnancies.

Conclusion: The findings of this study highlights the importance of the inclusion of men and fathers in supporting both his partner and (un)born child. The findings further illustrated the long-lasting impact of trauma felt by men which constrained his ability to support his family. A family-centred approach is needed to further support the family and the impact of a high-risk pregnancy on all members within the family unit.

Keywords: Fatherhood, High-Risk Pregnancy; Masculinity; Scoping Review.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Anxiety
Child
Emotions
Fathers*
Female
Humans
Male
Parents
Pregnancy
Pregnancy, High-Risk*