Occupational transitions following preterm birth: A scoping review of parents’ occupational experiences of participation, adaptation, and balance

Introduction Preterm birth disrupts early parenthood, creating emotional, psychological, and occupational challenges for families. While psychological outcomes are well documented, the experiences of parents as occupational beings remain under-researched. This review maps parents’ occupational experiences of participation, adaptation, and balance following preterm birth.Methods This scoping review synthesised empirical studies published between January 2015 and May 2026 examining parents of preterm infants. Quantitative studies were summarised descriptively, while qualitative and narrative findings were organised thematically around participation, adaptation, and balance.Results Nine studies met the eligibility criteria, utilising cross-sectional (n = 3), qualitative (n = 4), quasi-experimental (n = 1), and cohort (n = 1) designs. Across studies, parents experienced substantial disruptions in daily routines, self-care, family roles, and caregiving participation. Three overarching domains emerged: (1) parental identity development through occupational participation, (2) co-occupation and therapeutic support as pathways to occupational balance, and (3) disruption and parental adaptation to daily routines and family life. Greater caregiving participation and co-occupational engagement were associated with parental confidence, well-being, and adaptation; whereas restricted participation and imbalance were linked with stress and reduced subjective health.Discussion An occupational science perspective illuminates how neonatal intensive care unit environments, caregiving demands, and family routines shape parents’ occupational transitions. The limited use of explicit occupational terminology highlights an important gap in the literature.