Conhecendo as percepções paternas na gestação.

Abstract

In recent decades we can notice a major growth regarding to the initiative of man to participate in his partner's pregnancy, trying to be present in different ways. This study aimed to understand the experiences of men in relation to the pregnancy of their partners, from their point of view along the pregnancy period. Referred to the methodological aspects, it was adopted the exploratory and descriptive qualitative approach. Data collection was conducted through interviews with ten men/future fathers. The inclusion criteria was “to be experiencing” the pregnancy of her partners. The data were discussed based on the associations of ideas that occurred by defining broad categories of thematic nature, including fatherhood and its meanings, hormonal changes during pregnancy in the mother, the information receiving and the construction of the parent’s profile in the media as well as health services: Male assistance in prenatal care. The study points out that these fathers were facing this period in a positive way. Fathers highlighted how their initiative to participate, in some way, of the pregnancy was beneficial, especially to their partners, who had someone to share concerns and receive support when needed. Regarding to the information obtained in this period, it’s clear that such information, directly or indirectly, have been absorbed, but only what they considered valuable, building in that way, its profile as a future father alongside with his partner. The data discussed in terms of contributing to nursing, show how much our professional role is relevant in carrying out actions that effectively insert the father in this process.