Identifying Gaps in Research, Policy and Practice on Paternal Involvement in Pregnancy, Childbirth and Family Health

Methods: The Commission on Paternal Involvement in Pregnancy Outcomes (CPIPO) was assembled in 2009, with funding from the Office of Minority Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. CPIPO conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and issued best and promising research, policy, and practice recommendations to improve paternal involvement in pregnancy outcomes. Results: CPIPO identified numerous barriers to paternal involvement. These barriers include policy-level, social-structural, socio-demographic and life-course factors that often disallow fathers from full participation in caring for their children and families. CPIPO released 40 recommendations to improve paternal involvement in pregnancy and family health. Conclusion: Research has demonstrated that men are important to maternal and child health. We now know that paternal involvement can have a positive influence on maternal health behaviors during pregnancy, but further research is essential to enhance our knowledge regarding specific roles of the expectant father in pregnancy outcomes. Subsequently, we also need to instill the understanding and admiration of equal participation of men and expectant fathers across all aspects of our clinical practice, funding agencies, and healthcare organizations.