68 PRETERM BIRTH: EFFECT ON PARENTS

Abstract

To determine the effects of preterm birth on parents and their relationship, 38 middle class, married parents of preterm (x birthweight = 1900gms.; x gestational age = 34wks.) and 28 parents of term infants were compared within 1 week after birth and 1 and 6 months post-discharge. Data included measures of parents' own feelings, their perceptions of their spouses's well-being and of how bothered they felt by changes due to the baby. Results indicated no differences between parents of term and preterm infants in sensitivity to spouse's well-being or degree of being bothered. Birth status did affect parental feelings soon after birth. Preterm parents cried more, felt more helpless, more worried about their ability to cope and future pregnancies than term parents (p <.01). By 1 month, no differences were found. The sex of parent did repeatedly influence responses with mothers more bothered than fathers by changes due to baby at 1 month (p<.001). Spouse's sensitivity influenced how bothered parents felt (r= -.34, p<.01). Mothers rated themselves as more distressed than fathers on many items from birth through 6 months. These data suggest having a baby is stressful for parents, especially mothers. Preterm parents experienced increased stress soon after birth which diminished once babies were home and did not affect their sensitivity to each other.