Key facts
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, fathers were largely excluded from maternity services, including antenatal appointments, scans, and postnatal wards.
- A survey revealed that over 80% of fathers/partners were shut out of antenatal appointments and scans.
- Restrictions meant only 19% of fathers/partners could attend the entire labor and birth.
- Mothers reported receiving less support from partners, and both mothers and fathers experienced significant negative impacts on their mental health.
- Maternity professionals indicated that restricted father involvement potentially put mothers' and babies' health at risk.
Maternity services' engagement with fathers has historically been inconsistent, often leaving them feeling unwelcome, ignored, or sidelined. This situation was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic with the widespread imposition of restrictions on fathers' access to maternity services.
A survey conducted by the Fatherhood Institute and Fathers Network Scotland between October 2020 and July 2021 captured the experiences of mothers, fathers/partners, and maternity professionals during this period. The survey received 1,731 responses, including 167 from expectant or new fathers.
The findings indicate that over four-fifths of fathers and partners were excluded from antenatal appointments (81%), ultrasound scans (80%), and antenatal classes (83%). Only 19% were permitted to stay for the entire labor and birth, and half were banned from postnatal wards. Consequently, 67% of fathers/partners felt less prepared for fatherhood and 84% felt less able to support their partners.
Mothers also reported a significant lack of support, with 84% stating that the restrictions meant they received less support from their fathers/partners than they needed. Furthermore, the restrictions had a severe impact on the mental health of both parents, with high percentages reporting increased stress, anxiety, isolation, and depression.
Maternity professionals acknowledged these issues, with over 84% reporting parental complaints about restricted father involvement. A quarter of these professionals also indicated that the health of mothers and/or babies had been put at risk due to these limitations.