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Men in maternity: How supportive spouses slash maternal risks
12th July, 2026 11:18 PM
Pregnancy is often viewed as a woman’s journey, but health experts say fathers have a bigger role to play than many people realise. From attending antenatal clinics to offering emotional and financial support, involved partners can improve the health and safety of both mother and baby.
Support begins long before labour accompanying a partner to antenatal appointments helps fathers understand the pregnancy, recognise warning signs and prepare for childbirth. It also allows couples to ask questions together and make informed decisions about delivery, newborn care and family planning.
Emotional support is equally important. Pregnancy can bring anxiety, mood changes and physical discomfort. A supportive partner who listens, offers reassurance and shares household responsibilities can help reduce stress, allowing the expectant mother to focus on her health.
Practical help at home also makes a difference. Simple acts such as preparing meals, helping with chores, caring for older children or arranging transport to medical appointments can reduce physical strain, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.
Barriers Men face
Several studies, including Determinants of Male Partner Involvement in Promoting Deliveries by Skilled Attendants in Busia, Kenya, by Wanjala and Wamalwa and published in Global Journal of Health Science in 2012, found that men face barriers to being involved in maternal health.
These include fear of being ridiculed, long wait times at clinics, and a lack of services designed for men, while 2023 research in Kuria East revealed a disconnect between individual men’s positive views and negative community perceptions when they get involved.
The 2019 Kenya National Census estimated the maternal mortality ratio at 355 deaths per 100,000 live births – about 5,680 annual maternal deaths, with postpartum haemorrhage accounting for 34 per cent of these deaths.
Partners also play a key role in preparing for emergencies. Planning where the baby will be delivered, setting aside money for medical expenses, identifying reliable transport and keeping emergency contacts readily available can save valuable time if complications arise.
Conditions such as heavy bleeding, severe headaches, swollen hands or face, blurred vision and reduced baby movements require immediate medical attention, and an informed partner is more likely to recognise these warning signs and seek help quickly.
Finances and delivery
Financial support remains another important pillar. Pregnancy comes with additional costs, including clinic visits, nutritious food, medicines and baby essentials. Planning these expenses together helps reduce financial stress and ensures that important healthcare appointments are not missed because of a lack of funds.
The support should continue after delivery. New mothers need time to recover physically and emotionally while caring for a newborn. Fathers who share nighttime duties, change diapers, prepare meals and encourage breastfeeding help ease the workload and strengthen family bonds. Their involvement also allows mothers to rest, which is essential for recovery.
Research has consistently shown that partner involvement improves maternal and newborn health outcomes. Women who receive strong support from their spouses are more likely to attend antenatal clinics, deliver with skilled health professionals and seek care promptly when complications arise.
They are also less likely to experience high levels of stress during pregnancy.
Supporting a pregnant partner does not require medical training or grand gestures. It is built through everyday actions being present, communicating openly, sharing responsibilities and responding quickly when help is needed.
Healthy pregnancies are not achieved by mothers alone. When fathers actively participate from pregnancy through the postnatal period, they contribute to safer births, healthier babies and stronger families.
