Expectant Fathers' perceptions towards high-risk pregnancy and experiences in this period: A study of hermeneutic phenomenology

High-risk pregnancy affects maternal and infant health negatively and it may be the beginning of a process with traumatic outcomes for women and their spouses. Identifying the experiences and perceptions of expectant fathers in this process is important to develop support factors for women and their spouses. To identify expectant fathers' perceptions towards high-risk pregnancy and their experiences during the high-risk pregnancy period. Fifteen expectant fathers whose spouses were admitted to the hospital due to high-risk pregnancy were interviewed for the study. This study was conducted using an interpretive paradigm based on the Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology, which is a qualitative research method. Data were collected through in-depth telephonic interviews. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Four main themes were obtained: “Emotional burden”, “Coping mechanisms”, “Adaptation to fatherhood” and “High-risk pregnancy journey”. The expectant fathers said that they had so many emotions during this process, could cope by praying and with support from their spouses, longed for their unborn child and had increased responsibilities due to paternity. The results of this study indicated that men struggled emotionally, had very few coping strategies, questioned the high-risk pregnancy process, had several expectations and formed father-infant attachment during the high-risk pregnancy. Further studies are needed that review how midwives and nurses can support expectant fathers in this process and that provide opportunities for the improvement of clinical roles in this regard. •It has been observed during high-risk pregnancy that men struggle very hard emotionally, have very few coping strategies.•Some of the fathers blame the woman for the process, emotional difficulties and their coping methods are insufficient.•Healthcare professionals should provide fathers with information about managing their emotions and how to support spouse.