Partner prenatal care: presence, care and shared responsibility

Pregnancy happens in one person's body, but the care doesn't have to rest on her alone. A father, partner or another person of reference can and should take an active part without taking the pregnant woman's place: responsible presence starts with asking what helps and respecting her choices.

The SUS (Brazil's public health system) has the Partner Prenatal Care Strategy (Estratégia Pré-Natal do Parceiro), which uses this moment to promote the family's health, update vaccines, do preventive tests and encourage active fatherhood and co-parenting. The Primary Health Unit (UBS) in your neighborhood can tell you which services are available in your area.

Before and during appointments

Agree on which appointments the pregnant woman would like to share, and help write down questions in advance. During the medical or nursing appointment:

Listen first and avoid answering for her.

Respect the moments when she wants to talk to the health team alone.

Take on practical tasks that lighten the load: organizing tests, transportation, meals and the household routine are also part of prenatal care.

Handling logistics without waiting to be asked eases the mental load on someone already going through intense physical and hormonal changes.

Take care of your own health too

Partner prenatal care doesn't compete with the pregnant woman's care; it extends protection to the whole family. At the UBS, the partner has access to:

Rapid tests: simple, confidential tests with results in about 30 minutes for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B and C. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid reinfecting the pregnant woman and to prevent congenital syphilis in the baby.

Vaccination record update: checking and giving doses such as hepatitis B, adult dT (diphtheria and tetanus) and MMR.

General clinical check-up: blood pressure and blood sugar checks, and guidance on quitting smoking and healthy habits.

Going to appointments also helps you learn about warning signs in late pregnancy, pain relief techniques, breastfeeding, safe sleep and the first steps in caring for a newborn.

At the birth and postpartum: presence and guaranteed rights

By law (Federal Law No. 11.108/2005 and Law No. 14.737/2023), everyone giving birth has the right to a companion of their own choosing in all health services, public or private, during labor, birth and the immediate postpartum period. The companion is not just a visitor; they play an active role in physical and emotional support.

Before the birth, agree on the plans for the postpartum period:

Practical organization: decide who will handle meals, shopping, nights and screening visitors.

Breastfeeding support: breastfeeding takes energy and patience. Supporting it means offering water, making sure the mother can rest and seeking help from the health team if there is pain or difficulty — without watching over her, pressuring or criticizing.

Early bonding: changing diapers, bathing, soothing the baby and skin-to-skin contact strengthen attachment from the very first days of life.

Please note

This material is for education and health promotion. Clinical questions and test appointments should be handled directly at your designated Primary Health Unit.

Sources:

Brazil's Ministry of Health — Partner Prenatal Care Guide for Health Professionals ("Guia do Pré-Natal do Parceiro para Profissionais de Saúde").

Brazil's Ministry of Health — National Policy for Comprehensive Men's Health Care (PNAISH).

Brazil's Ministry of Health — Pregnancy booklet ("Caderneta da Gestante").

Federal Legislation — Law No. 11.108/2005 (Companion Law) and Law No. 14.737/2023.