Chill out Dad

I, Science 20 March 2006
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JANUARY: Expectant fathers may have an important role to play in the physical recuperation of their partners following a caesarean section.

A study of 65 women at the Chelsea and Westminster hospital has revealed that the anxieties of birth partners strongly influence those of the mother.

Both women and their partners were questioned throughout the birth process about their fears and expectations, while the pain levels of the women were also constantly assessed. According to the study, women with negative expectations before the procedure experienced the most fear during it, which in turn was associated with greater post-operative pain and a longer recovery time.

"Whilst some women say that birth partners improve birth experiences, others report less positive outcomes. It is not unreasonable for the birth partner to have some feelings of anxiety and fear about the operation they are about to witness," said Dr. Ed Keogh of the University of Bath, lead researcher along with Dr. Anita Holdcroft of Imperial.

The solution could be better preparation for the partner as well as the mother. "Rather than removing them from the operating theatre altogether, it would be better to target the emotional wellbeing of the birth partner to help reduce the anxiety and fear experienced by the mother," suggested Dr. Keogh.