Effect of learning attachment behaviors on anxiety and maternal fetal attachment in first pregnant women

Abstract

Background: Anxiety with different shapes induces some complications in women in their first pregnancy. Reducing anxiety level can promote maternal-fetal health. Aim: to examine the effect of learning the “attachment behaviors” on the anxiety level and “maternal fetal attachment” in first pregnant women referring to Shiraz obstetric clinics in 2010 Methods: In this randomized control trial 84 pregnant women were allocated in two groups randomly. Experimental group received routine pregnancy care in addition to four 90- minutes’ sessions on the attachment behaviors during one month of intervention period. The control group received usual pregnancy services. Anxiety and maternal fetal attachment were measured before and after intervention in two groups. Data were collected using Spielberger's State Anxiety Inventory and maternal fetal attachment scale Cranley. Data were analyzed with SPSS software (v.11.5), using statistical tests including Chi square, pair T test, and T test. P value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: women in the case group experienced significantly less anxiety and more maternal fetal attachment after learning attachment behaviors (p=0.003, p <0.001). No significant changes were found in the control group. Conclusion: educating the attachment behaviors can increase maternal fetal attachment and reduce women’s anxiety in their first pregnancy. It could be suggested to include teaching this subject in to pregnancy health care services.