Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) reference values at different stages of pregnancy and their possible associations with major obstetric and demographic characteristics

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study was aimed to explore the values of maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) at different stages of pregnancy using Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) with the construction of reference percentile curves and to examine possible associations between the measures of MFA and major demographic and obstetric characteristics. The study covered 530 pregnant women aged 18 through 50 years, gestational age 4 through 41 weeks. Reference percentile curves were constructed. No associations were found between gestational age and the values of the MAAS subscales. Primigravida had higher intensity and MAAS total scores; women having previous abortions had lower intensity and MAAS total scores; primipara had higher intensity score, and women with intended pregnancy had higher values on the quality, intensity and MAAS total scores. Early evaluation of MFA is appropriate for most pregnant women and may be useful indicator for early clinical and psychological intervention.