Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale Research Articles

Effect of couples' online training on maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women.

Due to the importance of maternal fetal attachment (MFA) in women mental health improvement and considering the fathers' role in MFA promoting, this study conducted to investigate the effect of couple education on maternal fetal attachment. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 100 pregnant women and their husbands referred to six health centers in Sari from May to June 2021. The sampling method was stratified random sampling. Data collection tools included demographic information form and the Cranley MFA Scale with 24 questions. The intervention group took part in four session's weekly training about spouse support, attachment behaviors, and gender preference of parents, while the control group received only the routine antenatal care. Both groups completed Cranley's questionnaire before and 4 weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, paired and independent t-test by SPSS 21. MFA mean scores, pre-training and post-training in intervention group were 3.27 (0.54) and 3.75 (0.42), respectively; in the control group, were, 3.24 (0.49) and 3.21 (0.48). There was a significant difference between the two groups' MFA mean scores after intervention (P < 0.001). The findings of this study revealed that couple training regarding spouse support, attachment behaviors, and gender preference during pregnancy can promotes MFA even online training.

Maternal-fetal attachment and anxiety in pregnant women who conceived through assisted reproductive technology: A longitudinal study.

BackgroundPregnancy through assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a stressful experience that may affect prenatal attachment. However, maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) and anxiety in pregnancy after ART are understudied in Iran.ObjectiveTo compare changes in MFA and pregnancy-related anxiety (PRA) in the first and third trimester of pregnancy in women who conceived through ART compared to those who conceived naturally.Materials and MethodsThis longitudinal study was conducted in 2019 with 187 pregnant women (ART conception = 43, natural conception = 144). Participants were recruited using the consecutive sampling method from a prenatal clinic in Tehran. The Cranley MFA Scale and the Van Den Bergh PRA Questionnaire were used to collect the data.ResultsThe MFA score in the 12 wk of gestation was lower in the women who conceived with ART compared to in the women who conceived naturally, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in wk 36. MFA in both groups was significantly higher at gestational wk 36 than wk 12 (p 0.001). The increase in MFA score was significantly higher in the women who conceived with ART than in those who conceived naturally (p 0.001). The anxiety score declined in the two groups and no statistically significant difference was observed in the changes of anxiety scores between the two groups (p = 0.84).ConclusionPregnant women who conceived through ART were as attached to their fetus in the third trimester of pregnancy as other women and did not experience more PRA.

Relationship of health practices with depression and maternal-fetal attachment in adolescent pregnant women: A prospective study

AimTo determine the relationship of health practices with depression and maternal-fetal attachment in adolescent pregnant women. MethodsThis prospective study was conducted on 316 adolescent pregnant women with medical records at the health centers in Tehran, Iran. The participants were selected through the complete enumeration. Data were collected using the socio-demographic and obstetrics questionnaire, the Health Practices Questionnaire-II (HPQ-II), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS). The data were analyzed with the Pearson correlation test, the independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and the general linear model. ResultsThe mean scores of health practices, depression, and maternal-fetal attachment were 135.3 (SD 9.1, range 34–170), 10.1 (SD 5.4, range 0–30), and 91.6 (SD 8.6, range 24–120), respectively. The results of Pearson correlation test showed that health practices had a significant relationship with depression (r = −0.29) and maternal-fetal attachment (r = 0.37). Results of general linear model showed that an increase in the health practices score led to a significant decrease in depression score during pregnancy [β = −0.10; 95% CI: −0.17 to −0.04] and a significant increase in maternal-fetal attachment score [β = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.40]. ConclusionThere is significant relationship between health practices and depression, as well as maternal-fetal attachment in adolescent pregnant women. Therefore, intervention to improve one of them may improve the other one(s).

A Correlational Study Between Attachment Behaviors and Spiritual Health with Stress in Pregnant Women Referred to Healthcare Centers in Qazvin, Iran, in 2015

Background: Prenatal stress causes negative health outcomes for the mother and fetus. Hence, investigating coping strategies is essential to reduce such negative effects. Objectives:: The current study aimed to investigate the correlation between attachment behaviors and spiritual health with stress during pregnancy. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 pregnant women referred to the health centers affiliated to Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2015 are studied. Participants were selected using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using Paloutzian &amp; Ellison's Spiritual Well-Being Scale, Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale, the Pregnancy Stress Scale, and a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of demographic and midwifery information. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the multivariate linear regression analysis. Results: The mean scores for spirituality, attachment behaviors, and prenatal stress were 104.15 ± 10.59, 95.91 ± 8.9, and 88.92 ± 36.93, respectively. A positive weak correlation was spotted between attachment and stress (P = 0.02, r = 0.15), and spiritual health was found to have a negative, weak but significant association with the financial status (P &lt; 0.001, r = -0. 22) and personal-family (P = 0. 03, r = -0.14) subscales of stress. No significant correlation was observed between spiritual health and the total score of stress (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that maternal-fetal attachment was correlated with prenatal stress while spiritual health was not correlated with prenatal stress; however, spiritual health could predict some subscales of stress.

Effects of a mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting program on maternal-fetal attachment: A randomized controlled trial among Iranian pregnant women

Background and PurposeAlthough mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting is suggested to promote maternal-fetal attachment, no study has yet addressed its potential effects. This study aimed to determine the effects of a mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting program on maternal-fetal attachment among Iranian pregnant women. Materials and methodsThis study was conducted on pregnant women, who were divided into two groups to either receive routine care plus mindfulness training for childbirth and parenting (i.e., eight 2-h group sessions once a week and one 3-h session of silent meditation) or receive routine care alone. Maternal-fetal attachment was evaluated by the Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. ResultsAfter the intervention, the total score of maternal-fetal attachment was significantly higher in the experimental group (P < 0.001; effect size = 0.640). In the intervention group, all dimensions of maternal-fetal attachment significantly improved, except the dimension of “differentiation of self from the fetus”, whereas in the control group, only the dimension of “attributing characteristics to the fetus” improved. ConclusionThe implemented program in this study was potentially effective in promoting maternal-fetal attachment.

The impact of education on attachment skills in the promotion of happiness among women with unplanned pregnancy.

BACKGROUND:Happiness is among the factors that promote mental health in mothers with unplanned pregnancy. The present study aimed to determine the impact of attachment skills training on happiness among women with unplanned pregnancy.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This clinical trial was conducted on 84 women with unplanned pregnancy referred to three prenatal clinics in Shiraz in 2018. The participants were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group using permutation block. At first, the participants were requested to sign written informed consent form, demographic information form, and mental health questionnaire. Then, they were asked to complete Oxford Happiness Questionnaire and Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. The intervention group received attachment training through six 90-min sessions, while the control group underwent the hospital's routine care. The two groups were required to fill out the study questionnaires once more after 4 weeks after the intervention. After all, the data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, and ANOVA.RESULTS:There was a significant difference between the two groups' pretest and posttest mean scores of happiness (P = 0.0001). The results showed that in the experimental group, pretraining and posttraining period mean scores were 89.64 (7.2) and 93.13 (6.09), respectively; while in the control group, pretraining and posttraining period mean scores were, respectively, 91.69 (9.96) and 91 (8.82). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. No significant relationship was observed between happiness and the couples' occupations, number of pregnancies, and number of miscarriages in the two groups (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:The mean score of happiness increased after the training, being significantly different from that in the control group. Therefore, happiness is a changeable feature that can be promoted among pregnant women via interventional methods.

The Correlation between Spiritual Health and Maternal-Fetal Attachment Behaviors in Pregnant Women Referring to the Health Centers in Qazvin, Iran.

ABSTRACTBackground: Spiritual health and maternal-fetal attachment behaviors are considered as beneficial coping strategies used to adapt to pregnancy. The present study was conducted to determine the correlation between spiritual health and maternal-fetal attachment behaviors in pregnant women referring to health centers in QazvinMethods: The present descriptive correlational study was conducted on 200 pregnant women referring to health centers in Qazvin, in 2015. A multi-stage sampling was carried out and data were collected in a self-report manner, using the Persian version of Spiritual Well-Being scale developed by Paloutzian and Ellison, Persian version of Cranley’s maternal-fetal attachment scale, and a demographic and midwifery questionnaire. Data were analyzed in SPSS-20, using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the multivariate linear regression. P<0.05 was considered statistically significantResults: The mean scores of attachment and spiritual health were 95.91±8.92 and 104.15±10.59, respectively. A weak positive correlation was observed between attachment behaviors and spiritual health (P<0.001, r=0.40). Regression analysis showed that spiritual health (P<0.001, β=0.40), religious health (P<0.001, β=0.30), and existential health (P<0.001, β=0.43) could predict the maternal-fetal attachment behaviorsConclusion: The results showed that a higher spiritual health was associated with an increase in maternal-fetal attachment behaviors. These results suggest the importance of strengthening spirituality during pregnancy as an effective strategy for increasing the attachment behaviors

The Relationship of Maternal-Fetal Attachment and Postpartum Depression: A Longitudinal Study

AimTo determine the relationship between maternal-fetal attachment and postpartum depression. MethodsThis longitudinal study was done on 242 primiparous women in 2016. The data collection tools used included a socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire and Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale – which was completed at 32–37weeks of pregnancy – and obstetrics information questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale –which was completed at 6–8weeks after birth. A multivariate linear regression was used to estimate the extent to which maternal-fetal attachment affected postpartum depression. ResultsThe mean Maternal-Fetal Attachment score was 90.0 (SD: 10.3) from the attainable score of 23 to 115. The mean depression score was 8.0 (SD: 3.8) from the attainable score of 0 to 30. Pearson's correlation test showed a significant inverse relationship between maternal-fetal attachment and postpartum depression (r=−0.196, p<0.001). The multivariate linear regression model showed that postpartum depression correlated significantly with the mother's age and two dimensions of attachment including differentiation of self from fetus and attributing characteristics to the fetus. ConclusionAccording to the findings, maternal-fetal attachment is one of the factors contributing to postpartum depression. Greater emphasis should be placed on the preparation of pregnant women for accepting their maternal role, so that the maternal-neonatal relationship can be enhanced and postpartum depression thus reduced.

The Effects of Pregnancy-Adaptation Training on Maternal-Fetal Attachment and Adaptation in Pregnant Women With a History of Baby Loss.

BackgroundStudies have shown that educating mothers can improve their adaptation to pregnancy and motherhood roles. There are also studies that have investigated the effects of certain interventions on maternal-fetal attachment. However, studies on the effects of maternal adaptation training on maternal-fetal attachment in mothers with a history of fetal or baby loss are rare.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of a pregnancy adaptation training package on maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women with a history of baby loss.Patients and MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 pregnant women with previous fetal or neonatal death in 2014. The women were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The pregnant women in the experimental group received routine prenatal education in addition to four sessions of a pregnancy adaption training package. The control group received only routine prenatal education. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Cranley’s maternal-fetal attachment scale, and a prenatal self-evaluation questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the study. The data analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and spearman correlation coefficient tests.ResultsBefore the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences between the study and control groups in terms of maternal-fetal attachment (P = 0.280) and adaptation to pregnancy (P = 0.883). However, following the intervention, the mean score of the maternal-fetal attachment was significantly higher in the experimental group, when compared with the control (77.57 ± 7.23 vs. 61.53 ± 2.62; P = 0.001). In addition, the mean post-intervention adaptation to pregnancy score was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (118.89 ± 8.12 vs. 126.38 ± 4.17; P = 0.001).ConclusionsThe pregnancy adaptation training package increased the adaptation and maternal-fetal attachment scores in pregnant women with a history of baby loss.

The Relationship between Maternal-Fetal Attachment and Mother-Infant Attachment Behaviors in Primiparous Women Referring to Mashhad Health Care Centers

Background & aim: Mother-infant bonding and interactions after childbirth are shaped by maternal-fetal attachment during pregnancy. Although many studies have shown the positive correlation between maternal-fetal attachment and mother-infant attachment behaviors, some controversial studies have shown otherwise. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the correlation between maternal-fetal attachment and mother-infant attachment behaviors in primiparous women. Methods:This descriptive correlational study was conducted on 100 primiparous women, referring to the selected heath care centers of Mashhad. Data were collected using Cranley's maternal–fetal attachment scale, Avant’s mother-infant attachment tool, Edinburgh postnatal depression scale, and a demographic/obstetric questionnaire including demographic data, obstetric information, delivery outcomes, and postpartum data. Pregnant women with a gestational age of 35-41 weeks, who met the inclusion criteria, completed Cranley's questionnaire, as well as the demographic/obstetric questionnaire. Four and eight weeks after delivery, the subjects were asked to complete the Edinburgh questionnaire and postpartum information; then, they were asked to breastfeed their infants on a chair in a quiet place for 15 minutes. The researcher observed the mothers’ behaviors toward their neonates. For data analysis, descriptive and analytical tests were performed, using SPSS version 16. Results: There was a direct positive relationship between maternal-fetal attachment and mothers’ emotional behaviors toward infants four and eight weeks after delivery. However, four and eight weeks after childbirth, no significant correlation was found between maternal-fetal attachment and mothers’ caring behaviors. Conclusion: According to the findings, maternal-fetal attachment is one of the most important factors for mother-infant attachment. These findings could be applied for enriching mother-infant attachment behaviors during pregnancy.

Music Therapy on Anxiety, Stress and Maternal-fetal Attachment in Pregnant Women During Transvaginal Ultrasound

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of music therapy on anxiety, stress and maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women during a transvaginal ultrasound. This study was a nonequivalent control group nonsynchronized design. Pregnant women (n =232) were assigned to experimental (n= 117) and control (n =116) groups respectively. The data were collected from August 2 to 27, 2010. The experimental group received general prenatal care and single 30-minute session of music therapy, while the control group received only general prenatal care. Anxiety, stress, and maternal-fetal attachment was assessed using three self-report measures by State scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (1976), Pregnant women's stress scale of Ahn (1984) and Cranley's (1981) maternal-fetal attachment scale. The music therapy group showed statistically significant decrease in anxiety compared to control group but no significant difference was identified in stress and maternal-fetal attachment. The finding provides evidence for use of nursing intervention in prenatal care unit to reduce pregnant women's anxiety. Further research is necessary to test the benefits of music therapy with different frequency and duration.

Effect of first-trimester ultrasound screening for Down syndrome on maternal–fetal attachment – A randomized controlled trial

Objective The objective was to investigate how ultrasound screening for Down syndrome (DS) in the first trimester, compared with a routine ultrasound examination in the second trimester, affected Maternal–Fetal Attachment (MFA) in mid-pregnancy. Method This study of 2026 pregnant women was a sub-study of a larger RCT aiming at evaluating the effect of fetal screening for Down syndrome (DS) by means of an ultrasound scan, including measuring fetal nuchal translucency in gestational weeks 12–14. Women were randomly allocated either to the intervention or to a control group where routine care with an ultrasound scan in gestational week 17–20 was offered. Data were collected by questionnaires before randomization and in gestational week 24. MFA was measured by a modified version of the Cranley Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale (CMFAS). Results The mean score of MFA was 3.50 in the intervention group and 3.44 in the control group ( p = 0.04). The mean scores on all subscales were slightly higher in the intervention group, but only statistically significant regarding “Differentiation of self from fetus” ( p = 0.01). Conclusion Ultrasound screening for DS in the first trimester may have a modest positive effect on MFA in mid-pregnancy, compared with a ultrasound scan in the second trimester.

A Study on the Relationship Between State Anxiety and Maternal Fetal Attachment of Unmarried Mothers in a Welfare Center

Purpose: The Purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between state anxiety and maternal fetal attachment of unmarried mothers in a welfare center. Methods: The subjects were 25 unmarried mothers in a welfare center. The data was collected through personal interviews using a questionnaire. The instruments used for this study were the modified Spielberger's state anxiety inventory and Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. Data was analyzed descriptive statistics, mean, standard deviation, t-test and the pearson correlation coefficient with the SPSS computer program. Results: The age of the subjects ranged from 15 to 25, and their average age was 20.0. The mean score of state anxiety was 58.2. There was significant difference in the degree of maternal state anxiety between the group whose pregnancy was known by their family and the group whose pregnancy was hidden. The group whose pregnancy was known showed a low state anxiety score. There was a significant difference in the degree of maternal state anxiety by the gestational period. The group who were in the second and third gestational trimester showed lower state anxiety score than in the first trimester. The mean score of maternal-fetal attachment(MFA) was 64.9. There were significant differences in the degree of maternal fetal attachment, by an ultrasound scan experience. The most frequently practiced attachment item was I think the fetus is able to feel(mean 3.8). Unmarried mothers degree of state anxiety showed a negative correlation with the degree of maternal fetal attachment(r=-.25), but there was no significant difference between the two variables. Conclusions: The unmarried mothers made an effort in striving to reduce their high state anxiety and to enhance maternal fetal attachment. They also realize how to take care of their state anxiety.

Effect of Taegyo-focused Prenatal Education on Maternal-fetal Attachment and Self-efficacy Related to Childbirth

To examine the effect of Taegyo-focused prenatal classes on maternal-fetal attachment and self-efficacy related to childbirth. Over 4 weeks, 49 women, 20 to 36 weeks of gestation participated in a prenatal program led by the nurse who developed it. In addition to Lamaze content it included; understanding ability of fetus to respond, sharing motivation, purpose of pregnancy, and preconceptions of experiencing childbirth, training in maternal-fetal interaction, writing letters and making a declaration of love to unborn baby. Using a pre-experimental design, data were collected by self-report, before and after program, using Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (1981), and Shin's (1997) Labor Self-Efficacy Measurement. Paired t-test showed significant changes in scores of maternal-fetal attachment (t=6.91. p<.001) and self-efficacy related to childbirth (t=10.19, p<.001). Taegyo opens the possibility of integrating Western ideas with Korean traditional health behavior. Incorporation of Taegyo into existing prenatal classes is recommended.

Maternal-fetal attachment in african-american and Hispanic-american women.

This pilot study used Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS) to explore the feasibility of comparing maternal-fetal attachment behaviors of African-American and Hispanic-American gravidas. Data analysis revealed no significant differences between the two groups' MFAS total scale score means; however, the Hispanic-American gravidas displayed significantly higher scores in two of the subscales. While study limitations were apparent, the results lend support to health care professionals' responsibilities to be cognizant of potential similarities and differences in the cultural care needs of pregnant women.

Effect of Visual Information by Ultrasound on Maternal-Fetal Attachment

Providing visual information about the fetus to the mother by the ultrasound examination was found to be an effective nursing intervention to promote Maternal-Fetal Attachment. In keeping with the purpose of the study, to evaluate the effect of providing visual information by ultrasound on level of Maternal-Fetal Attachment, a non-equivalent experimental group quasi-experimental design was used. The data were collected using Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale(1981) with a research questionnaire that consisted of 16 items on general characteristics and 23 items on Maternal-Fetal Attachment from November 2, 2000 to August 11, 2001. Subjects were 126 pregnant women who were received visual information by ultrasound and 123 pregnant women who did not receive visual information by ultrasound after finishing examination. The data were analyzed by using the SPSS/PC+ window 10.0 version program. The results of this study were as follows: There was no statistical difference in general characteristics between both groups. The scores on Maternal-Fetal Attachment at second trimester show no statistical difference (t=1.123, p=0.263). The scores on Maternal-Fetal Attachment in both groups increased between the second trimester and third trimester. However, the increase was greater in the group receiving visual information by ultrasound as compared to the group which did not receive the visual information(t=-2.152, p=0.032). This result shows that providing visual information about the fetus by the ultrasound examination is effective in increasing Maternal-Fetal Attachment.

Changes of Maternal-fetal Attachment and Self Efficacy for Delivery after the Taekyo-perspective Prenatal Class

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects on maternal-fetal attachment and self-efficacy for delivery using the Taekyo-oriented prenatal class. This class is for 2 hours/ week for 4 weeks. The program covers the contents of fetal growth and development, including their corresponding ability, the importance of the uterine environment, sharing the motive and purpose of pregnancy, and sharing experiences about pregnancy,Sharing of prejudices against delivery, training of maternal-fetal interaction, understanding delivery, relaxation breathing techniques, maternity exercises, writing letters or prayers to the baby, and declaration of loving the baby.This study took place from March 4th to June 15th, 2000, in a university hospital and community care center, and was done with a pretest-posttest design. It involved 55 pregnant women who were within 32-36 weeks of pregnancy and who agreed to participate in this study. Data was measured twice by self-report using the Cranley's Maternal-fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS, 1981) and the Shin's (1997) Self Efficacy for Delivery Scale at the beginning and at the completion of the class. Data was analyzed by SAS. The study results were:1. The score of maternal-fetal attachment was significantly increased after the Taekyo perspective prenatal class than before the class. (t = 7.389, p = 0.000) 2. The score of self efficacy for delivery was significantly increased after the Taekyo perspective prenatal class than before the class. (t = 8.885, p = 0.000) The above results proved that the present Taekyo perspective prenatal education program was effective in increasing maternal-infant attachment and self-efficacy for delivery.Therefore, it is concluded that the existing prenatal class should include Taekyo perspective elements. However, further study is needed to compare the effects with preexisting prenatal classes.

Perceived Relationship With the Father of the Baby and Maternal Attachment in Adolescents

To examine the perceived relationship with the father of the baby and maternal attachment in pregnant adolescents. Exploratory, longitudinal, using a convenience sample. Four antepartum clinics for low-income women. Seventy-nine adolescents, ages 12-19 years, < 20 weeks gestation; follow-up assessments at 20-29 weeks (n = 64), 30-40 weeks (n = 54), and within 1 week after birth (n = 47). Chi-square analysis showed no differences in demographic characteristics or major variables of those who completed the study and those who dropped out (p > or = .89). An investigator-developed Father of the Baby Scale, Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale, and Avant's Maternal Attachment Assessment Strategy. A close and satisfying relationship with the father of the baby was positively correlated with some aspects of maternal-fetal attachment (r = .24 to .33, p < .05) and maternal-infant attachment (r = .38, p < .05). The findings of this study lend tentative support to Rubin's theory of maternal identity formation. A close and satisfying relationship with the father of the baby has a positive influence on maternal attachment behaviors. Additional research related to the adolescent's relationship with the father of the baby is needed. Fathers of the babies of adolescent mothers should be included, where appropriate, in ongoing care of the mother and infant.

Pregnancy after 35 and attachment to the fetus

Abstract This paper examines whether a woman's level of attachment to her unborn child varies according to her age, parity and the stage of pregnancy. Cranley's (1981) Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS) was completed at mid-pregnancy by 104 women. Women of 35 and over (26 nulliparas and 26 multiparas) were compared with two equivalent groups of women in their twenties. Parity, occupational and educational status were controlled in the two age groups. At late pregnancy 96 of these women again completed the MFAS. It was hypothesized that the sample of older women would be more ‘tentative’ than the younger ones in admitting to feelings of attachment to the fetus (because the former are likely to be aware that raised maternal age can be associated with increased risk to the fetus of conditions such as Down's syndrome) and that this effect would change as the pregnancy progressed. Examination of the MFAS scores revealed that there was a significant tendency for increased age to be associated with decreased levels of attachment at mid-pregnancy but this age effect disappeared by late pregnancy.

Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Maternal–Fetal Attachment in Gestational Diabetes

ABSTRACT Objective: To answer the question, Is a high-risk pregnancy diagnosis such as gestational diabetes associated with depressive symptoms or altered maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women? Design: The Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Cranley Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale were administered to 30 pregnant women with gestational diabetes. These scores were compared with scores for two control groups: a high-risk control group consisting of 30 pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery, and a control group of 30 women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Results: Fifty-six percent of the gestational diabetic women had scores indicating depressive symptoms, as did 70% of the prematurity controls and 33.3% of the low-risk controls. These differences were not statistically significant. There were no differences in the scores from the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale among the three groups. Conclusion: There is a high frequency of depressive symptoms in the inner-city pr...