Maternal-fetal attachment and its correlates in a sample of Italian women: a study using the Prenatal Attachment Inventory

Abstract

Background: Maternal–fetal attachment (MFA) is considered to be related to the quality of subsequent maternal care of the infant and maternal health behaviour during pregnancy. Objective: The aims of the present study were to investigate the internal structure of a questionnaire used for assessing MFA, the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI), and to address the role of gestational age, couple adjustment and depressive symptomatology on MFA, on a sample of women from suburban areas. Method: A cross-sectional study using self-report questionnaires was conducted to address these two aims on 130 women attending prenatal care services. Results: A five-factor solution emerged for the PAI questionnaire. MFA levels were comparable to those found in previous studies using PAI, whereas depressive symptoms were higher than those reported in previous studies with normative pregnant women. Couple adjustment and gestational age significantly increased MFA. Among the MFA dimensions, Affect and Interaction were mainly affected by gestational age; Maternal–fetal differentiation was associated with gestational age and couple adjustment. Depressive symptoms were associated with an increase in Fantasy and Sensitivity factor scores. Conclusion: Prenatal attachment increased as gestational age advanced and as mothers perceived greater levels of couple adjustment, which promoted MFA strength, positive affect and MFA interaction and differentiation. The internal structure of PAI and its association with specific correlates are discussed.