This research describes the man's experience while expecting the birth of his first child. The method used was the study of an instrumental case (Stake, 1994), starting with interviews of five men expecting their first child's birth, analyzed through content analysis (Moraes, 1999; Olabuénaga, 1996). Vertical and horizontal analyses of the cases were made, highlighting their idiosyncratic and common aspects. Their experiences varied from a transition period, to a feeling of both inclusion and participation of the pregnancy. Values and priorities were redimensioned on the couple's relationship. Preoccupation with fetal anomalies, contemporary world adversities and the adolescence period are their biggest concerns. Financial issues appear as main worries for the exercise of fatherhood, followed by the desire of getting involved with the child's development.
pregnancy; fatherhood experience; first child