Exploring the experiences of stress of the mother and partner during the perinatal period : a scoping review

Abstract

Background - The perinatal period is a vulnerable transition for both mothers and partners. Stress is associated with maternal depression, adverse birth outcomes, and long-term child developmental risks. While most research focuses on the mother, paternal stress is also associated with adverse outcomes such as poorer partner well-being, lower relationship quality, and impaired child development. Internal factors (e.g., health concerns, low self-efficacy) and external factors (e.g., financial strain, poor social support) contribute to perinatal stress in both mother and partner.

Objective - To explore the experiences of stress of the mother and partner during the perinatal period.

Methods - This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy was employed across multiple databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science) to identify peer-reviewed studies examining perinatal stress from the perspective of the mother and partner. Eligible studies included couples in pregnancy and up to two years postpartum and report on stress as experienced or perceived by mother and partner. Studies focusing solely on one parent or related to mental health diagnoses, trauma, or COVID-19 were excluded. A convergent synthesis design will be used to integrate qualitative and quantitative findings.

Expected results - The review will explore the experiences of stress of both mother and partner within the perinatal period. Moreover, the factors that are most commonly identified as sources of ameliorating or reducing perinatal stress in the mother and partner are explored. As part of the data extraction, definitions of stress and measurement tools for stress as used by the author, will be mapped. This review will highlight gaps in the current literature and inform the development of future couple-focused interventions and future research.