The present study aimed to investigate the exercise of the paternal function in adolescence, from pregnancy through the first year of baby's life. The study included three teenage couples whose pregnancy was in the third trimester at the time of first contact. Participants were aged between 16 and 19 years and at the time of pregnancy, were dating or living together, and were of low socioeconomic status. Each case was investigated in three different stages: third trimester of pregnancy, after three months and after a year of baby's life. The results revealed that parents were identified as important sources of emotional support for their young partners, both during pregnancy and in the postpartum, despite some difficulties regarding the exercise of other functions have been identified.
fatherhood; adolescent fathers; paternal function
