Parental Preparation in Relation to Childbirth

The present study was an attempt to examine the parental preparation in relation to childbirth. The sample consisted of 100 subjects, of which 25 couples were those where fathers were present in the labor room and the other 25 couples were those where fathers were not present. A semi-structured interview was used to assess the level of preparation by both the parents on four dimensions - intellectual, physical, social and emotional. The results indicate that overall fathers who were present in the labor room showed more involvement throughout the pregnancy, and seemed to be more prepared both intellectually and physically. The mothers showed similar levels of preparation on all four dimensions in both the groups. In the group where fathers were present in the labor room, partners reported better marital relationships, and the duration of labor was found to be significantly shorter. The present study implies a need for changing traditional gender roles in the process of childbirth.