A GUIDE TO HEALTHY PREGNANCY MANAGING AILMENTS AND FINDING SOLUTIONS

A_Guide_to_Healthy_Pregnancy

PREPARING FOR FATHERHOOD:

A GUIDE FOR EXPECTANT FATHERS

Eralp Bulutlar

Zeynep Kamil Women and Children Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, İstanbul, Türkiye

Bulutlar E. Preparing for Fatherhood: A Guide for Expectant Fathers. Çetin A, ed. A Guide to Healthy Pregnancy: Managing Ailments and Finding Solutions. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.201-206.

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy is an important period full of emotional and psychological changes not only for mothers but also for fathers. Fathers play a critical role in providing a healthy and supportive environment for their partners and unborn children. Fathers’ active participation in the process positively affects family dynamics, reduces stress and anxiety on the mother, and strengthens the parent-child bond. This involvement includes practical steps such as emotional presence, stress management, and participation in birth preparation. Fathers who empathize with their wives, use effective communication skills and take on concrete responsibilities play an important role in reducing the physical and psychological burdens of the pregnancy process. Sharing parenting responsibilities, contributing to financial and emotional planning, and preparing for baby care strengthens the sense of partnership and increases mutual understanding. The physical and psychological support provided by fathers during this process increases their self-confidence and helps establish a strong father-child relationship. Fathers who participate in prenatal training and actively support their spouses make significant contributions to family harmony, reduce postpartum difficulties and lay a healthy foundation for future parenthood.

Keywords: Paternal involvement; Pregnancy support; Parent-child relationship; Psychological support; Birth preparation; Stress management; Family dynamics

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