During labor can a husband be in the room of delivery as long as he guards his eyes from Erva? Also, can a husband say tehillim in the room if he is 4 amos away?
Answer:
There is no prohibition on a husband being in a delivery room, provided he guards his eyes. However, some rabbis frown on the practice, because it can lead to michsholim, and where there is no need, it is better to remain outside. Yet, if one’s wife is afraid to be alone, or desires that the husband enters, it is of course permitted to do so.
It is permitted to recite tehillin provided one turns away from the erva. There is no need to distance oneself 4 amos.
Sources: Concerning entering the delivery room, see Iggros Moshe, Orach Chaim, Vol. 3, no. 75. For reciting tehillim within 4 amos, see Beis Yosef, Orach Chaim end of 75; Mishbetzos Zahav 2; Mishnah Berurah 30; see also Berachos 24b concerning kerias shema al hamitah.
