This study explores and identifies the different challenges for both antenatal and postnatal fathers that might act as precursors for poor paternal perinatal emotional well-being. Twelve fathers living in Sydney, aged over 18 years, identified as either an antenatal or postnatal father were interviewed concerning their experiences. Interview data were thematically analysed to identify challenges faced by expectant and new fathers. Five main challenges were identified – father–mother relationship, father–child relationship, life changes, lack of support and birth event. The results of this study indicate possible differences between antenatal and postnatal challenges, with postnatal fathers being confronted by additional challenges. These findings provide valuable insight for health professionals to better target treatment interventions by considering the actual precursors for poor emotional well-being in fathers.

本研究探讨并确定了产前和产后父亲面临的不同挑战，这些挑战可能是父亲围产期情绪健康不佳的先兆。居住在悉尼的 18 岁以上的 12 位父亲被确定为产前或产后父亲，他们就他们的经历接受了采访。对访谈数据进行了专题分析，以确定准爸爸和新爸爸面临的挑战。确定了五个主要挑战——父-母关系、父-子关系、生活变化、缺乏支持和出生事件。这项研究的结果表明产前和产后挑战之间可能存在差异，产后父亲面临着额外的挑战。