Active Husband Involvement During Pregnancy: A Grounded Theory

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this grounded theory qualitative study was to build a theory describing how husband involvement during pregnancy impacts the couple relationship. Background The transition to parenthood presents a significant life change for couples. Although many couples experience this life cycle change, there is relatively little empirical research on how husbands can meaningfully contribute during pregnancy and how husband involvement influences the couple relationship postpartum. Method Eleven heterosexual, married couples were interviewed regarding husband involvement during the couple's most recent pregnancy. Data collection included separate interviews with each partner and with each couple. Results The results are presented in a grounded theory of active husband involvement during pregnancy and its influence on the couple relationship postpartum. Accounts from participants indicate that active husband involvement during pregnancy helps to strengthen the couple relationship postpartum. Active husband involvement consists of four interrelated ingredients: helping with a positive attitude, instrumental support, emotional support, and responding in significant moments. Couples described five distinct ways the couple relationship was enhanced by active husband involvement: increased trust, a more mature relationship, greater love, enhanced communication, and continued support. The theory also includes husbands' efforts to navigate various obstacles to active husband involvement. Conclusion Active husband involvement during pregnancy consists of many behaviors and leads to strengthened couple relationships postpartum. Implications This study highlights the need for a greater emphasis on the couple relationship during pregnancy and provides health care providers and researchers with information about how they can encourage active husband involvement during pregnancy.

The Relationship Between Husband Support and Behavior of Pregnant Teenagers to Face Pregnancy During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Gombong, Kebumen, Indonesia

“…It meant that husband support was one of the factors affecting the behavior of pregnant women aged less than 20 years. Husband's support is vital for pregnant women under 20 years who are physically and psychologically unstable in dealing with pregnancy, as the closest person for them is the husband [28,29]. The results of this study are aligned with a study conducted at Puskesmas Nanggalo, Padang, in which there was a relationship between husband support and adherence to consumption of Fe tablets [30].…”

The impact of the emergence of COVID‐19 on women's prenatal genetic testing decisions

“…This is significant for several reasons. Studies show that many pregnant women elect to include a partner or other support person in the prenatal genetic testing process and several other aspects of prenatal care, a finding also noted among our participants 28–31 . There are emerging data during the pandemic about the impact of separation of a pregnant woman from her partner during labor and delivery, 32,33 in addition to data about patients' decision‐making during COVID‐19 when separated from their families at the time of acute medical decision 29,34 .…”

“…Studies show that many pregnant women elect to include a partner or other support person in the prenatal genetic testing process and several other aspects of prenatal care, a finding also noted among our participants. [28][29][30][31] There are emerging data during the pandemic about the impact of separation of a pregnant woman from her partner during labor and delivery, 32,33 in addition to data about patients' decision-making during COVID-19 when separated from their families at the time of acute medical decision. 29,34 While such research is ongoing, our study demonstrates that it is also important to investigate the impact of isolation at the time of prenatal genetic testing procedures for pregnant women and their families.…”

Apoyo social percibido por mujeres gestantes de Santa Marta, Colombia: un análisis comparativo

“…La literatura sugiere que, en la primera gestación, los padres suelen desplegar un portafolio de comportamientos protectores hacia la mujer, que sirven como apoyo durante el proceso y, al mismo tiempo, mitigan la incertidumbre y temores asociados a vivir la experiencia del embarazo primerizo, promueven la percepción de apoyo por parte de la pareja en la madre gestante y fortalecen la relación entre los progenitores antes y después del parto 48 .…”