The impact of maternal nausea and vomiting in pregnancy on expectant fathers: findings from the Australian Fathers’ Study

Abstract

Introduction: Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) are common. Whilst the impact on pregnant women has been well documented, there is less data on the impact on partners. This study evaluated awareness and impact of maternal NVP on expectant fathers.

Methods: Observational study of 300 expectant fathers. Institutional ethics approval and consent were obtained. Fathers were recruited from antenatal clinics and community settings. Researchers administered demographic, attitudinal and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale questionnaires during the third trimester. Expectant fathers were asked if their partner experienced NVP. If aware, they were asked to comment upon the impact on their lives.

Results: Participants were similar in demographics to those of the wider Australian community of expectant fathers. Most fathers were aware whether their partner experienced NVP (82%). Of these fathers, 20% reported no NVP, and 30%, 37% and 13% men reported maternal NVP was mild, moderate and severe, respectively. There was no correlation between paternal depression and maternal NVP, but a significant association was found between moderate and severe maternal NVP and paternal anxiety. In qualitative comments, five themes emerged: disruption on work, feelings of frustration and helplessness, concern over depression in their partner, concern for the developing baby and a sense of being manipulated in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Discussion: Most expectant fathers are aware of NVP in their partner. Moderate and severe maternal NVP are associated with significantly higher symptoms of paternal anxiety.

Keywords:

• Anxiety
• depression
• expectant fathers
• morning sickness
• nausea and vomiting in pregnancy

Acknowledgements

The Australian Fathers’ Study is registered at the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry with the number ACTRN 12613001273774 and the trial website is located at http://australianfathersstudy.com.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Current knowledge on the subject

• Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) occurs in 70-90% of pregnancies worldwide and significantly impacts maternal functioning.

• There is currently no longitudinal data on the paternal awareness of NVP or the impact that NVP has on expectant fathers.

• Fathers’ mental health is associated with that of their partners both during pregnancy and postnatally.

What this study adds

• Expectant fathers are aware when their partner experiences NVP and describe feelings of disruption, frustration, helplessness, manipulation, concern for their partner and the developing baby.

• Maternal moderate and severe NVP were associated with significantly higher rates of paternal anxiety, however there was no association with depression.

• Maternal NVP has a major impact in the lives of the expectant fathers who as principal carers, reported elevated feelings of anxiety in the third trimester of pregnancy.