Transition to parenthood: Promotional strategies used by health professionals

• Main Author: Victória, Andrea
• Publication Date: 2024
• Other Authors: Costa, Catarina, Cordeiro, Marta, Santos, Ana Paula, Tavares, Márcio, Tavares, Patrícia
• Format: Article
• Language: por; eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: https://doi.org/10.31211/rpics.2024.10.1.324
• topic: Transição para a parentalidade; Gravidez; Intervenção; Suporte; Marido; Profissionais de saúde; Revisão scoping; Transition to parenthood; Pregnancy; Intervention; Support; Husband; Health professionals; Scoping review

Background: The transition to parenthood is a multifactorial process directly influenced by multiple stakeholders. Objective: To identify and analyze healthcare professionals' strategies promoting the transition to parenthood. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. The research was carried out on the EBSCOhost platform for studies published between 2018 and 2023. Empirical studies focused on the transition to parenthood during pregnancy were included. Results: Six studies were included and analyzed, and the results were grouped into four categories: Internal Resources, highlighting the woman's confidence in her pregnancy process and the use of family and community support networks; Support Programs for Future Parents, emphasizing the reduction of stress and anxiety through the formation of groups facilitated by healthcare professionals; Adjunct Psychological Interventions in the Transition to Parenthood, showing that these contribute to a healthy transition; and the Husband as a Support Element, underlining the active role of the husband in emotional support and practical task management. Conclusions: The transition to parenthood is influenced by the actions of healthcare professionals, the role of the woman, and her partner. The strategies identified in the four categories should be integrated into clinical practice to promote a more assertive transition to parenthood. There is a need for further studies focused on the role of partners in this process and the inclusion of interventions that consider individuals' personal resources and support networks.