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dc.contributor.authorBourrier, Dianeen_US
dc.date.accessioned2007-05-18T12:16:50Z
dc.date.available2007-05-18T12:16:50Z
dc.date.issued1999-08-01T00:00:00Zen_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1993/1680
dc.description.abstractAlthough the presence of fathers during labor and birth has become the norm, little is known about their childbirth expectations. Unmet expectations may lead to dissatisfaction with both the childbirth process and the partner and may later affect perceptions of parenting and marital satisfaction. No studies have focused on fathers' expectations in complicated pregnancies. The potential for unmet expectations may be greater in complicated pregnancies because many fathers expect "normal" pregnancies. The purpose of this qualitative study was to provide an in-depth description of fathers' expectations for childbirth in complicated pregnancies. Mishel's theory of uncertainty provided an organizing framework for this study. Twenty e pectant first time and experienced fathers whose partners were diagnosed with pregnancy complications were recruited using purposeful sampling. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed by content analysis. The contextual meaning of childbirth was exemplified by five themes: preparing for complications, being there antepartum, prolonging the pregnancy, trusting in technology, and being there during childbirth. The prenatal period was stressful for many fathers. The diagnosis of prenatal complications required that fathers adjust their expectations. Some encountered difficulty "letting go" of past expectations while others had few expectations. Several fathers held high expectations of technology. Results of this study have implications for health care providers dealing with expectant fathers prenatally and intrapartum. Consideration should be given to assisting fathers formulate realistic childbirth expectations so that potential negative effects of unmet expectations may be avoided. A philosophy of family centered care should include attention to the concerns of expectant fathers.en_US
dc.format.extent9935753 bytes
dc.format.extent184 bytes
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.format.mimetypetext/plain
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.rightsopen accessen_US
dc.titleChildbirth expectations in a complicated pregnancy, the father's perspectiveen_US
dc.typemaster thesisen_US
dc.degree.disciplineNursingen_US
dc.degree.levelMaster of Nursing (M.N.)en_US


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