Two To Tango: Enhancing Paternal Involvement to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes

Few studies have examined the effects of paternal involvement on pregnancy outcomes. This study employed the Life Course Perspective to investigate pre and peri-natal levels of paternal involvement on pregnancy outcomes. Using Binomial Logistic Regression, a secondary analysis of the early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort was conducted. 10, 600 African American, Hispanic and non Hispanic White resident and biological US fathers were observed. The dependent variable, pregnancy outcomes was measured via birthweight and APGAR score. Human capital was assessed using the father's income, education and work status while social factors were evaluated by means of marital and relationship status. Paternal involvement was measured by support and participation during pregnancy. Results showed that paternal involvement (b = .200, OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.3; p<.001) and Hispanic and non-Hispanic White fathers (b = 1.85, OR = 6.3, 95% CI = 4.2., 9.5; p<.001) were significant predictors of optimal pregnancy outcomes. This study revealed that father's who are educated and employed who make monetary contributions, provided positive marital and relationship support reaffirm contemporary literature that fathers are important to maternal and child health. Future studies of paternal involvement during pregnancy are still necessary and should focus on specific measures of paternal involvement during pregnancy. Effective intervention programs are also necessary to provide education and coping skills for fathers to increase their prenatal and postnatal support.