Perceptions of paternal involvement in the pregnancy–puerperal cycle: a qualitative study with puerperal women

Abstract

The pregnancy-puerperal cycle represents a period of intense physical, emotional, and social transformations that demand adaptations from women and their support networks. This study aimed to understand mothers’ perceptions of paternal involvement during pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, analyzing the meanings attributed to this participation. It is a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive research conducted with 30 women assisted at the Elpídio de Almeida Health Institute (ISEA), in Campina Grande, Brazil. Data were collected through a sociodemographic questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, analyzed using Thematic Categorical Analysis1. Results revealed five thematic classes and thirteen categories addressing paternal involvement during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, as well as the difficulties and benefits related to this presence. The participants’ narratives indicated a transition from the traditional provider model to a more affective and participatory fatherhood, although still limited by cultural, social, and institutional barriers. It is concluded that active fatherhood is an ongoing process that requires public policies, interdisciplinary practices, and health actions aimed at gender equity and strengthening parental co-responsibility.