Analysis of multiparous couples' perceptions of husbands' supportiveness for their wives' satisfaction during pregnancy

Abstract

This study was conducted to clarify the differences and commonalities in perceptions regarding husbands’supportiveness for their wives’satisfaction during pregnancy between husbands and wives with older children. This report also discusses the effect of nursing care that enhances the supportiveness provided by husbands during their wives’pregnancy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two multiparous couples during pregnancy. All interviews were transcribed and a qualitative inductive analysis was performed using Berelson's Content Analysis methods. The following five categories were identified regarding the husbands' supportiveness during their multiparous wives' pregnancy:［Increased consciousness of parenthood toward the unborn baby];［Empathy regarding wife’s physical and mental health arising from the previous pregnancy and childbirth , and addition of a new baby]; [Support with housework to show empathy for the multiparous wife]; [Care of older children to show empathy ofr the multiparous wife]; [Akjustment of roles in the parenting older children.] From the discussion about the common and different perceptions between multiparous couples, the following suggestion emerges. Nursing care should focus on enhancing the intimacy of a couple, strengthening the family system, increasing consciousness of parenthood toward an unborn baby, and adjusting the role in the parenting of older children.