Maternal–fetal attachment: an integrative review

Abstract

This paper presents an integrative review of the literature that aimed to (a) review, categorize and critique the published research on maternal-fetal attachment (MFA), (b) analyse and interpret the MFA findings and (c) evaluate the state of knowledge on MFA and provide directions for future research. Previous researchers have examined MFA in independent studies using a variety of research designs. There was a need to synthesize the findings across studies in order to evaluate the knowledge developed about MFA since the construct was created. Five stages for conducting an integrative review were carried out. The research problem was identified; data were collected; data were evaluated; findings were analysed and interpreted. Forty-one studies of MFA were located using the online databases of Medline, International Nursing Index, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Psychological Information. The keywords for the search were MFA, parental-fetal attachment, and prenatal attachment. Of the 41 studies reviewed, there were 152 findings relevant to the analysis. Of the 152 findings, 70 were statistically significant, while 82 were not. Research focusing on MFA has begun to create a body of scientific knowledge. This needs to be expanded through continued research using a variety of designs.