A grounded theory of becoming a first-time father due to a high risk pregnancy

Abstract

© 2019 Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research. All rights reserved. Nursing care during pregnancy usually focuses on the conditions of the mothers rather than fathers, especially during a high risk pregnancy, but first-time fathers confronting such a pregnancy face serious challenges and pressures that effect their lives and relationships. This study explored the process of Thai men becoming a first-time father with a high risk pregnancy to better understand what they faced and how they coped. Twenty-three volunteer informants were recruited from an antenatal clinic in northern Thailand. Interview data were collected and analyzed using grounded theory methodology. The findings demonstrated that Striving for a Healthy Baby was the core category of the basic social process and consisted of three phases, each with its strategies. 1) Stressing about high risk pregnancy, with the strategies of dealing with emotions, seeking care, and modifying behaviors. 2) Hoping baby and wife will be healthy, with the strategies of dealing with emotions, seeking special care, modifying behaviors, and making a relationship with the baby, and 3) Handling uncertain outcomes, with the strategies of dealing with higher levels of worry, seeking the baby’s safety, preparing for difficult outcomes, and making a relationship with the baby. Throughout the study Buddhist beliefs strongly influenced the actions of the fathers. This study adds new cultural knowledge about the concerns, needs, and strategies of expectant Thai fathers due to a high risk pregnancy that will enable nurses, midwives, and healthcare professionals to assist and care for them.