PARTNER PERCEPTION AND PARTICIPATION IN PRENATAL AND BIRTH CARE

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION During the gestational period, the woman experiences important emotional changes that need to be considered by family members and also by health professionals, so that a relationship of trust and security can be established.1 Although there is no evidence that the involvement of the partner in perinatal care has a direct relationship in reducing maternal deaths, his involvement is recommended by the World Health Organization, because it has shown benefits for the health of the mother-child binomial.2 In most low- and middle-income countries, as is the case of Brazil, the man has a significant role in family decision making, including in the life of his partner, in relation to behaviors and health care. [...]during the gestational period, men can encourage visits to health care facilities, support good nutrition, reduce the workload, assist in preparation for childbirth, and provide emotional support.2 To do so, they need to feel welcomed by the health professionals responsible for prenatal care. According to the National Policy of Integral Attention to Men's Health, paternity should not be seen only in the perspective of legal obligation, but, above all, as a man's right, i.e., he has the right to participate in the whole process, to decide whether or not to have children, how and when to have them, to monitor pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and to participate in the child's education. Regarding the companion's presence in the childbirth process, Federal Law #11108 of April 7, 2005, guarantees to pregnant women the right to a companion of their free choice during the entire period of labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum,3 thus guaranteeing the father's right to participate in this symbolic and important moment of his life. Since fathers do not experience the same physiological changes as women, they may have more difficulty in perceiving the fetus as a real baby;however, a closer experience of pregnancy from its beginning helps prepare men for the demands and challenges that arise during the child's different stages of growth and development.4 Therefore, their participation in prenatal care should be encouraged and favored.5 In this context, the role of nurses, as members of the health team, to welcome and encourage the participation of men in the partner's prenatal care, minimizing the barriers experienced by many men in access to health services, stands out. [...]the participation of the partner during prenatal consultations brings benefits to partners, favoring the facing of changes generated by paternity and strengthening the family bond.