Factors affecting intrauterine paternal-foetal attachment and the responsibility status of fathers concerning mothers and babies

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to determine the sociodemographic and paternal factors affecting intrauterine paternal-fetal attachment Methods: The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with fathers whose partners were over the 24th week of their pregnancies (n=174). The fathers were applied a form regarding responsibility-taking for mother and baby and the Intrauterine Father Attachment Scale. Results: Fathers who are young, university graduates, have spouse working, planned the pregnancy, have no other children, and state that they had a good relationship with their father, were found to have significantly higher levels of attachment to the intrauterine fetus. Fathers who are attended the prenatal classes with their spouse, state that their spouse is supportive towards them, want to accompany their spouse during childbirth, and state that the baby is both the mother and the father’s responsibility after birth, were found to have significantly higher levels of attachment to the intrauterine fetus. Also, it was found that fathers who responsibility-taking for both mother and baby have a high level of attachment to the fetus (P <0.05). Conclusion: Considering that planned pregnancy and fathers’ participation in antenatal care increases the level of attachment, health professionals have a great responsibility in terms of planning pregnancies and encouraging fathers to participate in antenatal care. © 2021 Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology.