Partner Involvement: Should They Attend Antenatal Checkups Too?

Antenatal checkups are essential for monitoring the health and development of both mother and baby, but they’re also an opportunity to build a support network and foster shared responsibility during pregnancy. Partners play a critical role in this journey, but the question remains: should they attend antenatal checkups too?

In this article, we explore the benefits of partner involvement during antenatal care, examine evidence supporting partner attendance, and discuss how continuity of care with the same midwife positively impacts birth outcomes. This guide aims to empower expectant parents to make informed decisions about navigating pregnancy as a team.

Why Partner Involvement Matters

Partner involvement in antenatal checkups isn’t just about emotional support; it’s a tangible way to contribute to the health and well-being of the entire family unit. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), engaging partners in pregnancy care leads to better health outcomes, increased satisfaction with care, and stronger family bonds.

Benefits of Partner Participation

Shared Responsibility: Attending antenatal appointments fosters a sense of shared responsibility and involvement in decision-making.

Emotional Support: A partner’s presence can help alleviate stress and anxiety during appointments, creating a more positive experience for the pregnant mother.

Education and Preparation: Partners gain valuable insights into pregnancy care, labour, and postpartum needs, enabling them to provide more effective support.

The Role of Partners During Antenatal Checkups

Key Contributions Partners Can Make:

Asking Questions: Partners can raise concerns or ask for clarification about the pregnancy care plan.

Providing Practical Support: Taking notes during appointments, scheduling antenatal classes, or helping track antenatal vitamins and medications.

Building Confidence: Seeing scans or hearing the baby’s heartbeat can help partners feel more connected to the pregnancy.

Evidence Supporting Partner Involvement

A study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth (2020) found that women whose partners were actively involved in antenatal care reported lower stress levels and higher satisfaction with their pregnancy experience. Moreover, partners who attended appointments felt better equipped to handle labour and postpartum responsibilities.

Antenatal Care and Continuity of Midwife-Led Care

What Is Continuity of Care?

Continuity of care involves having the same midwife or healthcare professional oversee antenatal, labour, and postnatal care. This approach has been shown to improve communication, build trust, and lead to better outcomes for both mother and baby.

Evidence: The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2021) highlights that women receiving continuity of midwife-led care are 16% less likely to lose their baby and 24% less likely to experience preterm birth.

Benefits for Partner Involvement

When both parents build a relationship with the same midwife, it fosters a team-based approach to pregnancy care. Partners feel more comfortable discussing their concerns and engaging in the pregnancy process.

How Antenatal Checkups Benefit Birth Outcomes

Regular antenatal checkups are designed to identify and address complications early. Partner involvement enhances these benefits by ensuring clear communication and mutual understanding.

What Partners Can Expect at Antenatal Checkups:

Monitoring Baby’s Growth:

Fundal height measurements and antenatal scans.

Partners can view scans, hear the baby’s heartbeat, and learn about development milestones.

Health Screenings:

Routine checks for maternal blood pressure, urine, and weight.

Partners can ask about risks like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.

Education and Planning:

Discussions about antenatal classes, labour pain management, and relaxation techniques like antenatal yoga or antenatal massage.

Evidence shows that informed partners are better prepared to support during labour (NHS Antenatal Education Guidelines).

Encouraging Partner Attendance: Practical Tips

1. Schedule Around Availability

Work together to find antenatal appointments that fit your schedules. Many antenatal clinics offer flexible hours or weekend appointments to accommodate working parents.

2. Include Partners in Education

Explore antenatal classes near you or online courses designed for couples. Topics like labour preparation, breastfeeding, and postpartum care are valuable for both parents.

3. Focus on Shared Activities

Engage in activities like yoga during pregnancy or gentle walks to stay connected and healthy together.

Evidence: Research in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2019) found that couples who practised antenatal yoga experienced reduced stress and stronger emotional bonds.

Challenges and Solutions

While partner attendance at antenatal checkups is beneficial, it may not always be feasible. Here’s how to overcome common challenges:

Time Constraints

Solution: Partners can attend key appointments, such as the dating scan (10–14 weeks) or anomaly scan (18–20 weeks), while staying informed through notes or video calls for other visits.

Lack of Knowledge

Solution: Encourage partners to ask questions and seek resources. Many antenatal clinics provide leaflets or recommend online sources like the NHS or Tommy’s PregnancyHub.

Emotional Barriers

Solution: Reassure partners that their involvement is valued, and remind them that antenatal care is a shared journey.

The Emotional Impact of Partner Involvement

Pregnancy is a time of significant change for both parents. Partners who actively participate in antenatal care report feeling more connected to the pregnancy and prepared for parenthood.

Evidence: A study in Psychology & Health (2021) found that partner involvement in antenatal care improves mental health outcomes for both parents, reducing anxiety and strengthening relationships.

UK Resources for Antenatal Support

NHS Antenatal Services:

Comprehensive prenatal care, including antenatal scans and mental health support.

Visit NHS Antenatal Services

Tommy’s PregnancyHub:

Expert advice for partners and expectant mothers, including practical tips for labour support.

Visit Tommy’s

National Childbirth Trust (NCT):

Offers antenatal classes for couples, breastfeeding workshops, and postpartum support.

Visit NCT

Final Thoughts: Partner Involvement Enhances Antenatal Care

Partner involvement in antenatal checkups is a meaningful way to share the pregnancy experience and support the health of both mother and baby. By attending appointments, asking questions, and staying informed, partners can play an active role in ensuring a positive pregnancy journey.

Moreover, continuity of care with the same midwife strengthens the relationship between parents and healthcare providers, leading to improved communication and better birth outcomes. Whether it’s attending antenatal classes together, practising relaxation techniques like antenatal massage, or simply being present at appointments, every effort counts.

Encourage your partner to join you on this journey—it’s a shared responsibility that builds stronger families and healthier futures.