title: Pregnancy experiences of first-time fathers in iran: a qualitative interview study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fatherhood, similarly to motherhood, is an important role and responsibility. For accepting this role, one needs to be well-prepared. Awareness of father's experiences of pregnancy can help us to develop plans for the promotion of the role of fatherhood.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to explore how first time fathers describe their experiences of pregnancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data in this qualitative study were collected by individual open-ended interviews in five public health prenatal care clinics in Tehran, Iran, during 2010 ‒ 2011. Participants were 26 Iranian and Moslem first-time fathers living in Tehran, whose partner was in the 32th to 40th week of her normal pregnancy. Qualitative content text analysis was used for analyzing interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Through analysis of fathers' experiences of their wives' pregnancy, four categories, as well as associated subcategories, emerged. The categories include: "Emotional responses to pregnancy, Feeling of change, Accepting the reality and satisfaction, Developing identity as a father." These categories describe the phenomenon of "Transition to fatherhood".
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transition to fatherhood extends beyond only moderate mental and social changes, and may be influenced by cultural background and beliefs. Therefore, caregivers should be aware of fathers' changes and needs during pregnancy, and support them while taking into consideration their culture and beliefs.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Shahnaz
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Golian Tehrani
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Shahin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bazzazian
authors.affiliation: Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Nahid
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dehghan Nayeri
keywords: Fathers; Iran; Life Experiences; Pregnancy; Qualitative Research
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