A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF EXPECTANT FATHERS IN MANGALORE

The study was conducted to explore the unique experiences of expectant fathers. The research approach used in this study was Phenomenology. Six expectant fathers who met the inclusion criteria were selected using purposive sampling technique from the OPD unit of the Fr. Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangalore and a private antenatal clinic, Saurabh clinic in Mangalore. In depth interviews were conducted in a selected room in the antenatal clinic with all privacy. Colaizzi's data analysisframework was used to analyze the transcripts in this study. From the analysis of the data, five themes emerged from the experiences of expectant fathers and they were as follows: Theme 1: Happiness and satisfaction - the response to pregnancy, Theme 2: Relationship with wife-Physically and emotionally, Theme 3: A change in social life, Theme 4: Coping with Pregnancy, Theme 5: Expectations about the baby