BATH, England, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Anxious fathers may add to the post-operative pain suffered by mothers who undergo Caesarean sections, British researchers say.
In a study of 65 women who elected to undergo a Caesarean section, University of Bath and Imperial College of London researchers said birth partners' attitudes were related to fears and anxieties experienced by the mother.
"Maternal fear fluctuates during a Caesarean section but it can be influenced by the psychosocial factors around them, including their birth partner," said researcher Ed Keogh.
The study suggests that better preparation of birth partners could reduce mothers' post-operative pain.
"It would be useful to study whether increased maternal fear during the procedure has an impact on mothers, such as longer-term recovery from surgery as well as other related factors such as breast feeding and parent-child bonding," Keogh said.
The study, which said 25 percent of British births are Caesarean sections, was reported in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.
