European Association of Perinatal Medicine (EAPM), European Board and College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (EBCOG), European Midwives Association (EMA). Joint position statement: Substandard and disrespectful care in labour - because words matter.

Substandard or disrespectful care during labour should be of serious concern for healthcare professionals, as it can affect one of the most important events in a woman's life. Substandard care refers to the use of interventions that are not considered best-practice, to the inadequate execution of interventions, to situations where best-practice interventions are withheld from patients, or there is lack of adequate informed consent. Disrespectful care refers to forms of verbal and non-verbal communication that affect patients' dignity, individuality, privacy, intimacy, or personal beliefs. There are many possible underlying causes for substandard and disrespectful care in labour, including difficulties in modifying behaviours, judgmental or paternalistic attitudes, personal interests and individualism, and a human tendency to make less arduous, less difficult, or less stressful clinical decisions. The term "obstetric violence" is used in some parts of the world to describe various forms of substandard and disrespectful care in labour, but suggests that it is mainly carried out by obstetricians and is a serious form of aggression, carried out with the intent to cause harm. We believe that this term should not be used, as it does not help to identify the underlying problem, its causes, or its correction. In addition, it is generally seen by obstetricians and other healthcare professionals as an unjust and offensive term, generating a defensive and less collaborative mindset. We reach out to all individuals and institutions sharing the common goal of improving women's experience during labour, to work together to address the underlying causes of substandard and disrespectful care, and to develop common strategies to deal with this problem, based on mutual comprehension, trust and respect.

Nordic fathers' willingness to participate during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to illuminate expectant first-time fathers' experiences of participation during pregnancy in three Nordic countries.  Background: Fathers' participation in pregnancy is associated with improved health for the family as a whole. Research so far has primarily explored fathers' participation in pregnancy within health care settings. It is important to know more about how fathers today engage in all aspects of pregnancy.  Methods: Content analysis was used to analyse semi-structured interviews with 31 first time fathers from Denmark, Finland and Sweden. Interviews were undertaken when their partner was pregnant 30 weeks or more.  Results: Data analysis resulted in the main category 'Willingness to participate' and the two generic categories: 'Being beside the "bump"' and 'Cementing the partnership'. 'Being beside the "bump"' was supported by the subcategories: 'Visualising the unborn child', 'Being included in the rites of motherhood,' 'Lacking full control', 'Compensating for lack of embodiment' and 'Adopting an active father role'. 'Cementing the partnership' encompassed the subcategories: 'Strengthening the partner relationship', 'Meeting the professionals, 'Sharing experiences with peers' and 'Protecting their child and their partner'. CONCLUSION: Fathers wanted to participate and be responsible from the beginning of pregnancy. Fathers' participation in pregnancy involves a wide range of activities and strategies both within the domestic and the professional care-giving sphere. Health care professional's approaches to the father-to-be can enhance or reduce experiences of inclusion in antenatal care.