The Internet: one important source for pregnancy and childbirth information among prospective fathers

Abstract

Background Fathers’ involvement in pregnancy and childbirth has increased, and this can benefit their own health as well as their partners’ and children's health. The objective of this study was to investigate the sources of pregnancy and childbirth information that expectant fathers used in pregnancy, with a specific focus on the Internet. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 1105 prospective fathers in Sweden. Data were collected in a single year by means of a questionnaire in mid-pregnancy. Results The Internet was used by 58% of the fathers. The Internet as a source of information was more often used by fathers expecting their first child (relative risk (RR) = 1.4; range = 1.2–1.7), fathers with a high level of education (RR = 1.3; range = 1.2–1.5) and those who had a previous experience of caesarean section (RR = 1.3; range = 1.1–1.6). Other important sources for pregnancy and childbirth information were the midwife and the pregnant partner. Conclusions The Internet is, in addition to the midwife and the pregnant partner, a common source of pregnancy and childbirth information for prospective fathers. Antenatal caregivers need to be updated about preferable web sites for pregnancy and childbirth information, and give the couple a chance to reflect and talk about what they retrieve from the Internet.