The Role of Fathers in Prenatal Education

Prenatal education has long been centered around expecting mothers, but as our understanding of early development deepens, the role of fathers is gaining much-needed attention. Fathers are not just passive participants in the journey to parenthood, they play a central role in shaping the physical, emotional, and psychological environment of pregnancy. Their involvement from the very beginning is not only supportive but essential.

Equal Preparation for a Shared Journey
It is very important to have equal preparation. Fathers contribute half of the child’s genetic makeup, and therefore their physical and mental health directly affect the future child. But a father’s preparation starts even before pregnancy begins. According to research published by Oxford University Press in Paternal Influences on Human Reproductive Success, sperm cells regenerate approximately every 40 days, making a father’s preconception lifestyle critical (1). A healthy diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and adequate micronutrients like folate and zinc improve sperm quality and epigenetic signals that father on to offspring.

Importantly, a 2013 study from Cornell University involving horses, donkeys, and mules explored the link between paternal genetics and placental development (2). While the study didn’t focus on humans, it offered crucial insights relevant to all eutherian mammals - that is, mammals with placentas, including humans. The research showed that the placenta - an essential organ for fetal nourishment and growth - is significantly influenced by paternal genes. In fact, the father’s genetic contribution plays a dominant role in shaping the placenta’s structure and vascular system. This suggests that a father’s health before conception doesn’t just affect sperm quality, it also directly impacts the creation of the placenta and the baby’s intrauterine environment. Thus, just as mothers are encouraged to adopt healthy habits and emotional balance, men too should pay attention to well-being well in advance. Nutrition, stress management, lifestyle choices, and emotional readiness are not optional - they are essential for co-creating a strong foundation through both genetic and epigenetic pathways.


Responsibility and Conscious Commitment
Bringing a child into the world is not merely a biological event - it’s a conscious, moral, and emotional responsibility. Fathers must fully embrace the commitment of parenthood from the moment they choose to conceive. This includes not only being present during prenatal visits or childbirth but also being psychologically prepared to support the mother and care for the future child. The father’s awareness of this responsibility strengthens the parental bond and fosters a culture of shared parenting from the outset.

The emotional state of a pregnant woman has a profound impact on fetal development. This is where the father’s emotional support becomes vital. A calm, secure, and loving relationship helps reduce maternal stress, encourages hormonal balance, and contributes to a healthier pregnancy. Fathers are uniquely positioned to create a harmonious atmosphere that supports not just the mother, but also the baby in utero. A kind word, a supportive gesture, and a consistent presence can significantly improve the emotional landscape of pregnancy.


Active Participation, Not Observation
Contrary to outdated beliefs that pregnancy is solely the woman’s domain, modern prenatal education encourages fathers to take an active role throughout the entire process. This means engaging in prenatal classes, understanding pregnancy milestones, learning about childbirth and postpartum recovery, and preparing emotionally for fatherhood. When fathers are involved and informed, they become pillars of strength during labor and invaluable partners during the transition into parenting.


A Societal Role Beyond the Family
The father’s role extends into the broader societal fabric. Protecting and supporting pregnant women is not just a private concern - it’s a communal responsibility. Fathers, alongside families, communities, and institutions, play a critical part in ensuring that women can experience a peaceful and protected gestation, which in turn fosters the child’s healthy development.

Fathers are not just bystanders in the journey of life - they are co-creators, protectors, and emotional anchors. Their full presence in prenatal education contributes not only to the well-being of the mother and child, but also to a more conscious, loving, and prepared society.



(1) Paternal Influences on Human Reproductive Success, Oxford University Press. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/book/29596/chapter-abstract/249344561
(2) Ng, S.-F. et al. (2013). Chronic high-fat diet in fathers programs β-cell dysfunction in female rat offspring. PNAS. https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1308998110

 

 

About the Author
Susana Lopes is the Secretary-General of Prenatal Alliance, an advocate for World Pregnancy Day – March 22, a Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teacher, a Pilates Teacher, a Humanized Pregnancy and Birth Advocate, Speaker, and the author of “Yoga e Maternidade”. Her present work includes guiding women to effectively release stress and anxiety from their body and improve their overall health and connection with their baby.