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Get it together, Dad!
Delivering a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy, also known as preterm birth, is a leading cause of infant mortality and lifelong health complications.
Although premature birth is not entirely preventable, new research finds that the confidence and resilience exuded by the pregnant woman’s partner can play a key role in making sure the baby arrives healthy and on time.
Published in the journal Biopsychosocial Science and Medicine, the study from UC Merced followed more than 200 pregnant couples.
The researchers found that when married fathers had higher levels of resilience and self-esteem, their partners endured less inflammation during pregnancy.
Blood samples from the pregnant women were analyzed for C-reactive protein, which is produced by the liver to fight harmful inflammation and has been linked to premature birth.
Both parents were asked about their perceived self-esteem levels, reporting back on emotional support from others and self-assurance.
Dads with more perceived social support meant less inflammation in moms, which translated to longer and healthier pregnancies.
Conversely, women not surrounded by positive partners (either unmarried or not living together) had higher markers of inflammation and shorter pregnancies.
The authors hope their research helps parents better understand what it takes to bring a healthy baby into the world.
“This is one of the first studies to show that a father’s inner strengths, such as his optimism and ability to cope with challenges, can ripple through the family in measurable, biological ways,” study co-author Jennifer Hahn-Holbrook said in a statement.
Strong social connections have been previously linked to healthier pregnancies and deliveries. Women with less anxiety and depression throughout pregnancy often had encouraging and nurturing partners.
Unsurprisingly, women tend to feel safer during childbirth when their partners are reassuring.
The positive emotions demonstrated by expectant fathers could also lead to healthier homes and lives for the couple and child, according to Hahn-Holbrook.
“Fathers who feel confident and supported might engage in more positive daily behaviors, such as cooking healthy meals, offering encouragement and reducing stress at home,” she said.
“Emotional connections may also play a role, since couples tend to co-regulate their moods and even their immune systems.”
