Birth experience of fathers in the setting of teenage pregnancy:Are they prepared?

AIM To explore the birth experiences of teenage fathers and determine the extent to which they are prepared for childbirth.METHODS A mixed methods observational study was undertaken comparing the birth experience of 50 fathers in the setting of teenage pregnancy(teenage) compared to a group of 50 older fathers. Fathers were recruited in the antenatal period and completed structured questionnaires following the birth of their child. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was undertaken.RESULTS Teenage fathers were younger, less educated and less likely to attend prenatal childbirth education classes(P < 0.0001). During birth, they were less prepared and consulted by attending staff(both P < 0.05). They reported limited roles in intrapartum decision-making(< 20%). In multivariate analysis being a father in the setting of teenage pregnancy remained significantly associated with feeling unprepared for birth. The major themes in qualitative analysis were feeling unprepared,shock, fear, a sense of detachment, happiness, pride, love of the baby and satisfaction with fertility.CONCLUSION Teenage fathers are less prepared for the birth of their child and this results in shock, fear and detachment that may impact on the early father-infant relationship.