"I’m not the person carrying the babies, I’m the one who has to deal with the fallout" - An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Fathers' Lived Experience of High-risk Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a rewarding yet stressful journey for both parents, but the experience can change significantly when high-risk pregnancy is involved. Whilst the literature has predominantly focused on the mothers' and babies' needs, attending to the fathers’ needs during high-risk pregnancies has been neglected. This research aimed to examine the lived experience of fathers who have been through a high-risk pregnancy. Six participants who volunteered through social media, including Facebook and Instagram, were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The transcripts were analysed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Four Group Experiential Themes (GETs) were identified: Man as a responsible being; Fathers equally deserve recognition and support; Quadruple ‘Whammy’ of Powerlessness and Coping behaviours that help to adapt and build resilience. The finding reveals novel insights, such as the powerlessness of returning to work whilst their families were in the hospital. The pandemic restriction resulted in the exclusion of fathers from the hospital but also offered the opportunity to work remotely and spend more time with their families after discharge. Internal and external barriers that affected the development of attachment with the babies were identified. The journey increased fathers' admiration for their partners and strengthened their relationship. Fathers have found psychological support helpful; however, they expected it to be individualised to their circumstances.

Findings highlight that high-risk pregnancy has negative implications for fathers, and when their needs are neglected and overlooked, the whole family’s needs are ignored. Suggestions for service providers and mental health practitioners, including Counselling Psychologists, are made, emphasising the importance of including fathers in appointments, conversations and support throughout the pregnancy and mental health practitioners to draw from their integrative skills to offer individualised psychological support that can help address their emotional distress, trauma, improve bonding with babies and empower them for transition into fatherhood.