Maternal-Fetal Attachment in Twin Pregnancies

Abstract

To describe maternal attachment to twin fetuses and determine whether such attachment differs between the twins. A descriptive, correlational, nonexperimental design was used to collect data on a convenience sample of high-risk and low-risk women pregnant with twins. Questionnaires were distributed or mailed by presidents of parents of multiples clubs to interested participants. Participants mailed the questionnaires back to the researcher via stamped return envelope. During a 14-month period, 214 eligible women from 41 states and the District of Columbia completed the survey instruments. The Prenatal Attachment Inventory. Pregnant women reported greater attachment to Twin B than to Twin A. Pregnant women may be more attached to Twin B (typically the nonpresenting fetus) because this twin may be easier to see and touch. While the mean attachment scores between twins differed, the size of the difference was small. Further study is needed to determine the predictive value and clinical significance of this finding for future mother-infant relationships.