Maternal anxiety and sensitive mothering behavior in diabetic and nondiabetic women.

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of a high-risk pregnancy on development of the maternal-infant relationship, the differences in anxiety, sensitive maternal behavior, and maternal separation anxiety in diabetic and nondiabetic mothers were examined. The findings imply that a high-risk pregnancy may not always be accompanied by increased anxiety or disturbances in sensitive maternal behavior. Questions are raised regarding the influences of demographic factors on maternal behavior and the differences that chronic versus sudden onset high-risk pregnancy factors might have on maternal anxiety and behavior. The findings also reinforce the influence of supportive medical and nursing care throughout a high-risk pregnancy.