An Exploration of Aspects of Boundary Ambiguity Among Young, Unmarried Fathers During the Prenatal Period.

This research represents an exploration of patterns of boundary ambiguity among poor, young, unmarried men and their reproductive partners. Interviews were conducted with men and their partners during the third trimester of pregnancy. Interviews focused on patterns of men's physical and psychological presence in relationships with their partners and in activities associated with pregnancy and prenatal care. Patterns of presence among fathers-to-be are identified and factors associated with those patterns are explored. Patterns of presence reflect degrees of physical and psychological presence in relation to pregnancy and the father role. These patterns reflect the influence of various social and emotional dimensions that impact a man's transition to the new father role and raise a number of policy and practice issues. (Author abstract).