It seems it really is better for all concerned if fathers stay away from the birth of a child.
Scientists have found that for some women, the presence of their loved one may exacerbate the pain of childbirth rather than being a soothing influence.
A study found that the pain felt by women who were given “pinprick” laser pulses on their fingers was not reduced by having their partner near by. The presence of a partner made it worse, particularly for those who tended to avoid closeness in their relationships.
Katerina Fotopoulou, a cognitive neuroscientist who led the work at University College London, said: “Some women might feel more uncomfortable with their partner there. It raises questions about the one-size-fits-all approach.”
About 95 per cent