Data and Methods

In order to study mothers and fathers in pregnancy and early parenthood, a qualitative and a quantitative longitudinal study is carried out. In both parts, data is gathered before and after the birth of the first child.

Qualitative Study

The qualitative study focuses on the experiences and practices of parents-to-be and parents. For this purpose, couples are accompanied through pregnancy and early parenthood.
Particularly, data is collected in the following ways:
• in-depth single interviews with each parent, conducted once during
   pregnancy and then again about six months after delivery
• observations in prenatal classes
• collection of information materials addressed to parents-to-be and parents

Quantitative Study

The quantitative study focuses on the changes occurring from before to after the birth of the first child. For this purpose, a secondary analysis is conducted based on panel data of the Austrian Generations and Gender Survey (2008/09 and 2012/13).