Understanding the silent struggle of expectant fathers

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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. For years, Sahil and Prerna had yearned for a child, and when the news finally arrived, it was a dream come true. But amidst the initial euphoria, a quiet storm brewed within Sahil.

As the pregnancy progressed, he found himself worrying about the life ahead, identities shifting, and dealing with Prerna's mood swings. Mohit, another father-to-be, was a different kind of anxious. Financial worries gnawed at him, and the fear of losing his freedom loomed large.

His body reacted to the stress, manifesting in sleepless nights, pounding headaches and an unsettled stomach. They may be often less spoken about but these stories are common among expectant fathers. While the spotlight usually shines on the physical and emotional changes in expectant mothers, the men in their lives too undergo their unique transformations.

Lounge spoke to experts to delve deeper into this often-overlooked aspect of parenthood. The journey to fatherhood is often painted as joyous, filled with anticipation and excitement. However, beneath the surface, expectant fathers navigate a complex landscape of emotions, from overwhelming joy to crippling anxiety.

One of the most common emotional challenges faced by expectant fathers is anxiety. This falls under the umbrella of prenatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). “Emotionally, expectant fathers experience anxiety or emptiness or even fear about their ability to support their family or be a good parent.

They might experience extreme strain and isolation as they perceive their concerns are less acknowledged," notes Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Medical Director of Bloom IVF, Lilavati Hospital. This anxiety can manifest physically in the form of