The Experience of Fathers and Mothers in Relation to the Presence of the Father at the Birth in the Case of a Planned Caesarean Section: a Qualitative Phenomenological Study
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Cesarean Section, Parturition. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
L'Esperienza Del Padre e Della Madre in Relazione Alla Presenza Del Padre All'Evento Parto in Caso di Taglio Cesareo Programmato: Uno Studio Qualitativo Fenomenologico
Overview
Pregnancy and childbirth represent a crucial transition for couples, involving significant psychological and emotional adaptation. The World Health Organization recommends that all women have the possibility to be accompanied by a support person of their choice during labor and birth. The presence of a trusted companion can provide emotional reassurance, improve communication with health professionals, and support non-pharmacological pain management, often reducing the need for medical interventions. Fathers who attend childbirth frequently describe their participation as a meaningful and positive experience, strengthening their relationship with both the mother and the newborn. However, in the case of elective cesarean section, the father's presence in the operating room is not always allowed, especially when there is a high risk of complications (such as major hemorrhage). This variability may influence how mothers and fathers experience the birth. This qualitative, single-center, non-funded study aims to explore and describe the lived experiences of mothers and fathers regarding the presence or absence of the father during an elective cesarean section. After informed consent, couples will be invited to participate in a semi-structured interview conducted 48-72 hours after birth, during postpartum hospitalization at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS in Rome. The interview, lasting approximately 20-30 minutes, will be audio-recorded and anonymized. Participants may withdraw at any time without consequences for their care. The primary objective is to describe the experience of both mothers and fathers in relation to whether the father was present or absent at the birth. Secondary objectives include: describing demographic and obstetric characteristics of participating women, exploring expectations and emotions of fathers who attended the cesarean birth and of their partners, exploring the experiences of fathers who could not be present, and of their partners, evaluating the perceived support provided by healthcare staff, identifying unexpected needs or desires expressed by participants. A purposive sample of approximately 30 couples will be recruited (15 where the father is present and 15 where he is absent). Recruitment will continue until data saturation is reached. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis, following established qualitative research methods. This study will provide new insights into how the presence or absence of the father during elective cesarean section shapes the birth experience for both parents. The results may support policies and practices aimed at improving emotional well-being, strengthening family bonds, and enhancing the quality of maternity care.
Primary outcome measures
- To describe the lived experience of mothers and fathers in relation to the father's presence or absence during elective cesarean birth. [Time frame: 48-72 hours postpartum]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Women who have undergone an elective cesarean section
- Women who have provided written informed consent
- Women with gestational age > 37 weeks + 0 days
Exclusion criteria
- Fathers or mothers under 18 years of age
- Fathers or mothers unable to read and understand the Italian language
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07152743 · 7528