Maternal mental health benefits from male participation in antenatal care

Medical experts are emphasizing the importance of male participation in antenatal care to better support maternal mental health. While pregnancy focus often centers on the mother and child, Dr. Dzifa notes that men need to prepare for the emotional and psychological shifts that accompany childbirth.

By attending antenatal visits, partners can learn to recognize early warning signs of postpartum depression or other mental health issues, such as unusual withdrawal, anxiety, or difficulty bonding with the baby. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends integrating mental health support into maternal and child health services, recognizing that family support is vital for women after childbirth.