Moving Up the "Magic Moment": Fathers' Experience of Prenatal Ultrasound

Expectant fathers in the U.S. frequently accompany their partner to a prenatal ultrasound, yet little is known about how fathers experience ultrasound attendance. This is an important knowledge gap because studies have shown strong and consistent associations between a father's prenatal and pos...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Fathering (Harriman, Tenn.) Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 18 - 37
Main Authors: Walsh, Tova B., Tolman, Richard M., Davis, R. Neal, Palladino, Christie L., Romero, Vivian C., Singh, Vijay
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Harriman Men's Studies Press 01.01.2014
Subjects:
Attendance
Behavior change
Behavior modification
Child Development
Child Health
Children & youth
Conceptual models
Expectant fathers
Experience
Families & family life
Family roles
Father-child relations
Fathers
Fetuses
Grounded theory
Infants
Maternal & child health
Mens health
Mothers
Motivation
Parents & parenting
Postpartum period
Pregnancy
Prenatal care
Prenatal development
Preventive medicine
Studies
Ultrasonic imaging
ISSN:1537-6680, 1933-026X
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Expectant fathers in the U.S. frequently accompany their partner to a prenatal ultrasound, yet little is known about how fathers experience ultrasound attendance. This is an important knowledge gap because studies have shown strong and consistent associations between a father's prenatal and postnatal involvement, and efforts to actively engage fathers at ultrasound may have longitudinal impact. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 fathers after ultrasound, analyzed data using principles of grounded theory, and built a conceptual model of how fathers experience ultrasound. Results suggest that ultrasound attendance contributes to paternal feelings of connection to the unborn baby and motivation to change behavior. Ultrasound appointments may offer an opportunity to engage men to promote positive partnering and parenting across the lifespan.
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ISSN:1537-6680
1933-026X
DOI:10.3149/fth.1201.18