Pregnancy is often studied as an interaction between mother and child, yet the father’s impactful role in shaping pregnancy outcomes is gaining increasing recognition. Beyond providing genetic material, paternal factors such as lifestyle, health, and environmental exposures can significantly influence fetal development. A recent review study examined how paternal genetics, health conditions, and behaviors impact pregnancy, including risks for preterm birth and pregnancy complications. The results emphasize that fathers can have a decisive influence on pregnancy outcomes, both positive and negative. Through their own healthy lifestyle, fathers have the possibility to actively contribute to reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality for mother and child. 

Traditionally, pregnancy research has focused on maternal health, while the father’s role was often limited to conception. However, recent studies suggest that paternal health and lifestyle choices can directly influence fetal development and birth outcomes. Factors such as age, obesity, smoking, and exposure to environmental toxins can affect sperm quality and epigenetic markers. These, in turn, may lead to an increased risks of pregnancy complications.

A recent study from Italy reviewed existing research on paternal influences during and after pregnancy. From a genetic perspective, the father can influence the duration of the pregnancy and risk of pregnancy loss. Additionally, the father can significantly increase the risk of preeclampsia through the transmission of thrombophilic traits and immunological incompatibility, particularly when there is a change in partner, which disrupts maternal immune tolerance. Preeclampsia is the leading cause of maternal mortality in high-income countries and a major cause of preterm birth and low birth weight.

Furthermore, not only advanced maternal age is a risk factor - paternal age over 45 years is also associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, and late stillbirth. Their children are at higher risk for certain childhood cancer types and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Beyond Genetics – How Fathers Shape Fetal Development

Beyond inherited genetic traits, paternal health directly affects fetal development through epigenetic mechanisms, which involve changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence—such as DNA methylation and small RNA modifications in sperm. Relevant factors include the father’s age, body mass index, nutrition (including type II diabetes and alcohol consumption), lifestyle, and environmental exposure. For example, sperm quality is influenced by paternal nutrition, obesity, and exposure to toxins, which can result in developmental delays, metabolic disorders such as diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in the child.

Harmful substances also play a major role in paternal reproductive health. If the father smokes before conception, he directly increases the risk of spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, childhood leukemia, and heart malformations in the child. Cocaine and opioid abuse are also associated with low birth weight, severe ADHD, and early death before the age of six. Paternal environmental exposure to toxins, including pesticides and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, contributes to congenital abnormalities both during pregnancy and childhood.

Practical Implications for Expecting Fathers

The findings underline the importance of paternal health and lifestyle choices before and during pregnancy. Fathers who adopt healthier habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding smoking, can positively impact pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, awareness of genetic risks can help guide reproductive planning and prenatal care.

Understanding the father’s role in pregnancy not only shifts traditional perspectives but also highlights the importance of shared responsibility in prenatal health. 

Paper available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/13/3/165 

Ful list of authors: Giannubilo, S.R.; Marzioni, D.; Tossetta, G.; Montironi, R.; Meccariello, M.L.; Ciavattini, A.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13030165