Fathers’ Health Significantly Impacts Pregnancy and Child Development

For decades, preparing for a healthy pregnancy has largely been considered a woman’s responsibility. However, groundbreaking research published in The Lancet reveals that a father’s health before conception plays a crucial, and often underestimated, role in a child’s development and long-term well-being. This challenges the traditional focus on maternal health alone and highlights the need for a more equitable approach to preconception care.

The Growing Recognition of Paternal Influence

A new study from the University of Southampton and international partners emphasizes the significant impact of fathers’ health on pregnancy and child outcomes. “Research into the influence of fathers on pregnancy and parenthood has previously been neglected,” says Professor Keith Godfrey, a senior author of the study at the University of Southampton and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Center (BRC).

Researchers are finding that a man’s weight, substance use, age, and mental health can all influence pregnancy and the health of their children. In some cases, the father’s influence can even be stronger than the mother’s, with effects linked to their own childhood experiences.

How Fathers’ Health Impacts Pregnancy Outcomes

The comprehensive review highlights several key factors:

• Paternal Drinking: Drinking alcohol before conception is associated with an increased risk of birth defects.
• Smoking: Smoking can alter sperm, potentially influencing fetal development and increasing the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
• Weight: A father’s weight can impact pregnancy outcomes.
• Mental Health: A father’s mental health status can affect both the mother’s health and the developing fetus.
• Lifestyle Factors: Overall lifestyle choices contribute to sperm quality and potential developmental impacts.

Dr. Danielle Schoenaker, from the University of Southampton and NIHR Southampton BRC, explains that a man’s early life experiences – including stress, physical and mental health, environment, and education – influence his reproductive health. These factors can affect his partner’s health behaviors, such as prenatal care attendance, and have direct biological effects on the developing infant.

Addressing Ethical Concerns and Health Disparities

The research also addresses ethical considerations, noting that placing the entire responsibility for a child’s health on the birthing parent reinforces gender biases. The study acknowledges that systemic issues like racism and colonialism have created barriers to healthcare access for many Black and brown men, necessitating culturally grounded approaches to address their health needs.

Jonathan Huang, lead author of the study and Assistant Professor at the University of Hawai’i, emphasizes the need for policies and programs that strengthen family and community bonds while prioritizing the health and well-being of men within their cultural contexts.

A Call for Broader Public Health Strategies

The researchers emphasize that improving preconception health requires a collective effort from policymakers, public health agencies, clinicians, researchers, and men themselves. Investing in the well-being of boys and young men is seen as key to reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for future generations.

Professor Godfrey summarizes, “Raising awareness about the importance of men’s health does not diminish the critical importance of women’s and pregnant persons’ well-being. Rather, it serves as a collective call to ensure that men and partners are equipped to be supportive partners, allies, and caregivers before, during, and long after pregnancy.”

Publication Details: More equitable preconception health: Paternal lifecourse opportunities for better pregnancy, child, and family outcomes, The Lancet (2026). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00148-0