FEAR OF CHILDBIRTH IN FATHERS: NARRATIVE REVIEW

Background and Aim : Pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting are processes that have different emotional consequences for fathers, including fear. Given the lack of early detection and management of fear of childbirth, the chances of adverse short-term and long-term outcomes, including increased cesarean delivery, increase the risk of mental and physical disorders, therefore, this review study was designed to investigate the fear of childbirth in fathers.Methods : In this narrative review, the researcher initially looked at the Google Scholar search engine and more specifically in Persian and English databases SID, Magiran, PubMed, Science Direct, Cochran, PsycINFO, with using the combination of keywords Fathers, Fear of Childbirth, Prevalence, Etiology, Treatment, and its MeSH and Persian equivalent, from 2000 to 2019 searched for related articles. Out of 340 articles, 28 articles were finally used for writing.Results : The results were categorized in three main categories: 1- Prevalence: According to the results of the study, fear of childbirth was reported in 11-37% of fathers. On average, 13% of fathers have severe fears of childbirth. 2- Etiology: Biological factors such as autonomic nervous system disorders and neurotransmitters, psychological factors such as maternal and fetal health concerns, labor pain, lack of knowledge and ability to deal with accidents, and social such as professional and behavioral competence of employees and the control of events by others. 3- Non-pharmacological treatment: Includes education, counseling and relaxation. These interventions are helpful by reducing anxiety during pregnancy, increasing self-esteem, calming and supporting fathers.Conclusion : Since fathers play an important role in improving the health of families in general and maternal health in the current situation, it is recommended that service providers help improve fathers health by increasing their knowledge of the etiology and management of fear of childbirth.

Keywords:

Fathers , Fear of Childbirth , Prevalence , Etiology , Treatment