Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale Research Articles

Effect of Fetal Movement Count Training (FMCT) on Prenatal Bonding and Maternal Anxiety among Primigravida Women

Background: Fetal movements can have positive effects on maternal-fetalattachment beforebirth, because the fetusis more tangible with the mother after movement. Daily fetal movementcounting is a simple and non-invasive method that can be carried out by the mother in order to improve thematernal fetal attachment and toreduce the maternal anxiety for the better pregnancy outcome.Objectives: The main objective of the study was to assess the effect of fetal movement count training onprenatal bonding and maternal anxiety among primigravida.Methods: Quantitative approach with true experimental research design was adopted. Total 173 pregnantwomen were selected for the study using purposive sampling technique. Subjects were randomly assignedin to the experimental (n=87) and control group (n=86). Fetal movement count training was given toexperimental group. The training includes both instructions and demonstration on fetal movement count.Booklet contain the steps of fetal movement count and 28 days counting chart was provided to the pregnantwomen to make the them adhere to the count.The tools used to collect the data were as follows: (1)Demographic questionnaire, (2) Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale and (3) Self structured Anxiety Scale.Baseline assessment was done on the 1stday and the training was implemented on the same day. Motherswere followed through phone calls. Post-assessment was done after 28days. The data wereanalysed usingdescriptive and inferential statistics.Result: The mean post-test prenatal bonding score in experimental group is 81.90±5.969 and in controlgroup is 77.57±7.459 which shows the significant difference in prenatal bonding score between both thegroups (t = 4.215 p = 0.00002). The mean post-test maternal anxiety score is prenatal bonding score inexperimental group is 34.69±6.719 and in control group is 35.17±6.809 which is not showing any significantdifference between both the groups (t = 0.471 p = 0.3191). There was a moderately negative correlationfound between pre-test prenatal bonding and maternal anxiety score as evidenced by r= -0.277 at p=0.0002which was statistically significant.Conclusion: Thus, the training regarding fetal movement count was effective in improving prenatal bondingand reducing maternal anxiety among primigravida.

Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) reference values at different stages of pregnancy and their possible associations with major obstetric and demographic characteristics

ABSTRACT The study was aimed to explore the values of maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) at different stages of pregnancy using Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) with the construction of reference percentile curves and to examine possible associations between the measures of MFA and major demographic and obstetric characteristics. The study covered 530 pregnant women aged 18 through 50 years, gestational age 4 through 41 weeks. Reference percentile curves were constructed. No associations were found between gestational age and the values of the MAAS subscales. Primigravida had higher intensity and MAAS total scores; women having previous abortions had lower intensity and MAAS total scores; primipara had higher intensity score, and women with intended pregnancy had higher values on the quality, intensity and MAAS total scores. Early evaluation of MFA is appropriate for most pregnant women and may be useful indicator for early clinical and psychological intervention.

The mediating role of prenatal depression in adult attachment and maternal-fetal attachment in primigravida in the third trimester

BackgroundPrenatal depression and adult attachment are factors that affect the establishment of an intimate relationship between a mother and fetus. The study explored differences in prenatal depression and maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) scores between different types of adult attachment and the effects of maternal depression scores and attachment dimensions on maternal intimacy with the fetus.MethodsThe Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Experience of Close Relationship (ECR) scale, Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) and a general data scale were used to investigate 260 primigravida. An exploratory analysis was performed to analyze the effects of the depression score and adult attachment on MFA.ResultsThe results showed that pregnant women with insecure attachment exhibited an increased prevalence of prenatal depression, lower total MFA scores, and lower MFA quality compared with those women with secure adult attachment. The explorative analysis showed that the depression scores mediated the relationship between adult attachment avoidance and MFA quality.ConclusionsPrimigravida who had insecure adult attachment exhibited an increased prevalence of prenatal depression and lower MFA. Maternal depression and adult attachment may affect the emotional bond between a mother and fetus. This finding should be seriously considered, and timely intervention needs to take personality traits into consideration.

Prenatal Depression in Women in the Third Trimester: Prevalence, Predictive Factors, and Relationship With Maternal-Fetal Attachment.

Objective: The prevalence of prenatal depression in pregnant women has found to be high, which may adversely affect the intimacy of a mother to her fetus. Few studies have investigated the relationship between prenatal depression and maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant Chinese women. This study is thus designed to evaluate the prevalence rate, predictive factors of prenatal depression in Chinese pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy, and the effect of prenatal depression on maternal-fetal attachment.Methods: A total of 340 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy were recruited from a hospital in Anhui Province. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was rated to assess the prenatal depression; the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to assess sleep quality and anxiety level for all participants. The Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) was used to assess maternal-fetal attachment.Results: The prevalence of prenatal depression in the participants was high (19.1%) in our study. The scores of prenatal anxiety and sleep disorders were higher with prenatal depression than in those without prenatal depression (47.6 ± 9.5 vs. 38.9 ± 6.9; 8.3 ± 3.3 vs. 6.1 ± 2.7, all p < 0.01). MAAS quality was lower in prenatal depression women than those in non-prenatal depression women (43.8 ± 5.6 vs. 46.4 ± 4.5, p < 0.01). Correlation analysis showed that prenatal depression was associated with parity, prenatal education, education level, marital satisfaction, anxiety and sleep disorders (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, binary logistic regression results showed that anxiety and sleep disorders were risk factors for prenatal depression. Prenatal education, higher marriage satisfaction were protective factors for prenatal depression. In addition, correlation analysis also showed that prenatal depression was positively correlated with MAAS intensity, but negatively correlated with MAAS quality.Conclusions: Our results indicated a high prevalence of prenatal depression in women in the third trimester. Prenatal education and higher marital satisfaction were protective factors for prenatal depression; antenatal anxiety and sleep disorders during pregnancy were risk factors for prenatal depression. Prenatal depression was negatively correlated with MAAS quality, but positively correlated with MAAS intensity.

Maternal–Fetal Attachment: Associations with Maternal Sensory Processing, Adult Attachment, Distress and Perinatal Loss

Maternal–fetal attachment (MFA) describes the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a pregnant woman toward her unborn baby. With MFA increasingly seen as an important predecessor of future outcomes, understanding the factors associated with MFA may reveal targets for treatment, potentially optimizing outcomes for mothers and infants. The primary aim of this research was to examine associations between MFA and maternal sensory and attachment patterns, when controlling for psychological distress. The secondary aim was to compare MFA and distress for women with and without previous perinatal loss. Pregnant women (N = 108) were recruited from two antenatal clinics at an Australian maternity hospital. During pregnancy, participants completed the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, Mental Health Inventory-38, and Attachment Style Questionnaire. Hierarchical linear regression models, controlling for psychological distress as the second step, were performed. Final models revealed that more favorable quality of MFA was associated with lower sensory sensitivity and higher sensory seeking. More time spent in MFA was associated with younger maternal age and higher levels of maternal sensory seeking. Women with previous perinatal loss had more distress but similar levels of MFA compared to women without loss. We provide the first evidence of links between MFA and maternal sensory patterns, and further elucidate links between adult attachment and mental health in women with and without previous perinatal loss. Consideration of maternal sensory patterns, adult attachment, and mental health status antenatally may inform new directions for services seeking to facilitate the relationship between a mother and her unborn baby.

What factors are most important for the development of the maternal\u2013fetal relationship? A prospective study among pregnant women in Danish general practice

BackgroundDevelopment of the maternal antenatal attachment (MAA) constitutes an important aspect of the transition into motherhood. Early identification of women at risk of developing a poor MAA provides possibilities for preventive interventions targeting maternal mental health and the emerging mother-infant relationship. In this study, we investigate the relative importance of an extensive set of psychosocial, pregnancy-related, and physiological factors measured in the first trimester of pregnancy for MAA measured in third trimester.MethodsA prospective study was conducted among pregnant women in Danish general practice (GP). Data were obtained in the first and the third trimester from pregnancy health records and electronic questionnaires associated with routine GP antenatal care visits. The Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) was used to assess maternal antenatal attachment. The relative importance of potential determinants of maternal antenatal attachment was assessed by the relative contribution of each factor to the fit (R2) calculated from multivariable regression models.ResultsThe sample consisted of 1328 women. Low antenatal attachment (Total MAAS ≤ 75) was observed for 513 (38.6%) women. Perceived social support (having someone to talk to and having access to practical help when needed) emerged as the most important determinant. Furthermore, scores on the MAAS decreased with worse self-rated health, poor physical fitness, depression, increasing age, having given birth previously, and higher education.ConclusionPregnant women reporting lack of social support and general low physical and mental well-being early in pregnancy may be at risk for developing a poor MAA. An approach targeting both psychosocial and physiological well-being may positively influence expectant mothers’ successful adaptation to motherhood.

Maternal-fetal bonding among pregnant women at psychosocial risk: The roles of adult attachment style, prenatal parental reflective functioning, and depressive symptoms.

Pregnancy offers a unique period for initiating preventive parenting interventions. Disturbances in maternal-fetal bonding may indicate suboptimal parenting and a need for intervention. However, more knowledge is needed on the development of maternal-fetal bonding among at-risk groups. The study aim was to examine psychosocial correlates of maternal-fetal bonding among pregnant women identified to be at risk socially and regarding their mental health. The sample consisted of 78 at-risk pregnant women participating in a perinatal intervention study: Godt på Vej Sammen [A Good Start to Life-an Early Cross-sectorial Intervention]. This study was cross-sectional reporting on the baseline characteristics of the participants. In the beginning of the second trimester, participants completed questionnaires assessing maternal-fetal bonding (the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale [MAAS]), prenatal parental reflective functioning, adult attachment style, and depressive symptoms. We compared the distribution of MAAS styles with norms from a recent Dutch community sample. In addition, we tested associations between psychosocial variables and the quality and intensity of MAAS scores in regression models and performed Chi-square analyses to assess the association of MAAS styles with psychosocial variables. First, compared to women from a community sample, approximately half of the women in our sample presented lower and suboptimal MAAS scores. Second, insecure avoidant adult attachment style was negatively associated with MAAS intensity, and depressive symptoms were negatively associated with MAAS quality. Third, prenatal parental reflective functioning positively correlated with both quality and intensity of MAAS. Fourth, we found no association between insecure anxious adult attachment style and MAAS scores. Fifth, women with a negative disinterested MAAS style demonstrated the highest avoidant attachment scores, while women with a positively preoccupied MAAS style demonstrated the highest prenatal parental reflective functioning scores. The results suggest that there is a need to differentiate among at-risk pregnant woman and that prenatal screening using the MAAS may help identify those who need preventive parenting interventions and what those interventions should focus on. A main limitation of the study is the lack of a representative group of at-risk pregnant women which limits the generalizability of the study results to all risk groups.

Hospitalisation in high-risk pregnancy patients: is prenatal attachment affected?

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare prenatal attachment in women hospitalised due to high-risk pregnancy with prenatal attachment in non-hospitalised patients. To describe the impact of social support, socio-demographic factors and the nature of the pregnancy on prenatal attachment, anxiety and depression. Study Design: An exploratory, cross-sectional and descriptive study utilising the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The sample comprised 80 hospitalised and 88 non-hospitalised patients. Result: No difference in prenatal attachment was found between the two groups. The hospitalised group presented higher levels of depressive symptomatology and anxiety. Social support had a significant effect on the hospitalised group, improving attachment quality. Conclusion: Incorporation of members of the patient’s support network may help to improve quality of prenatal attachment during hospitalisation. Detection and treatment of anxiety and/or depression in hospitalised patients is recommended given their impact on the mental health of mother and baby.

Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of 3D-Printed Models and 3D Ultrasonography on Maternal–Fetal Attachment

ObjectiveTo determine whether the addition of 3D-printed models improves maternal–fetal attachment in healthy pregnancies more than 3D ultrasonography alone. DesignRandomized, parallel-group, controlled trial. SettingUniversity- and clinic system–affiliated locations in Omaha, Nebraska. ParticipantsBetween May 2018 and February 2019, 857 pregnant women were screened for inclusion in the study, and 96 women (11%) were randomly assigned to an ultrasonography group (n = 48) or to an ultrasonography plus 3D-printed model group (n = 48). MethodsParticipants completed the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) questionnaire before they received third trimester 3D ultrasonography. Participants were randomly allocated to receive 3D ultrasonography only or 3D ultrasonography plus 3D-printed models of the fetus’s face. All participants completed a second MAAS questionnaire approximately 14 days after the study ultrasonography. The primary outcome was the global MAAS score. Secondary outcomes included the MAAS subscale scores. ResultsThe time-by-group interaction effect indicated that change in MAAS global score from baseline for the 3D-printed model group was 3.75 points greater than the score for the ultrasonography only group (95% confidence interval [1.40, 6.10], p = .002). Similar results were observed for the subscales with regard to quality of attachment and time spent thinking about the fetus. ConclusionsThe use of fetal facial models resulted in greater increases in maternal–fetal attachment than the use of ultrasonography only. Future research into this new technology to enhance pregnancy outcomes is clearly warranted.

Factors affecting the maternal-foetal relationship.

Mother's attachment to her unborn child has a strong impact on a pregnant woman's attitude towards her health, postnatal attachment, and the child's physical and emotional growth. The purpose of our study was to identify the factors that impact the maternal-foetal relationship. The study was conducted at the Centre of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the tertiary-level Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos in Vilnius, Lithuania. An original questionnaire of nine parts was developed that the questionnaire included information on demographical data, gynaecological and obstetrical history, a relationship assessment scale, the index of happiness, an antenatal depression risk questionnaire, and the Maternal-Antenatal Attachment Scale. The study included 388 pregnant women. It was found that the level of education, obstetrical issues during pregnancy, and the risk of postnatal depression negatively impacted the maternal-foetal relationship (p < 0.05). Mothers who were elder in family birth order, also those whose pregnancy was of a longer duration, who had a better-quality romantic relationship with partner, and whose socioeconomic fulfilment was higher were all found to have a better quality of maternal-foetal bonding (p < 0.05). The early recognition of low attachment and right application of various means of psychologic intervention might improve the quality of pregnancy, maternity, and childhood.

Psychometric properties of 13-item versions of the maternal and paternal antenatal attachment scales in German

ABSTRACT Objective To assess scale reliability and factorial validity of the Maternal and Paternal Antenatal Attachment Scale in a German sample. Background Prenatal bonding to the child is an important aspect for parents and has been associated with the early parent-child relationship. The maternal and paternal versions of the Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS/PAAS) with the dimensions bonding quality and intensity are among the best-established questionnaires for parental-fetal bonding. However, a German translation of the PAAS and investigations of the factor structure of both MAAS and PAAS are still lacking. Method 263 women and 128 men from Hamburg, Germany, were assessed during pregnancy (total sample N = 391). Results Factor analyses did not support the original factor structures of both scales. Still, two factors equivalent to the original quality and intensity dimensions were identified. Scale reliability for the extracted factors was satisfying to good for both instruments. Conclusion The revised 13-item versions for MAAS and PAAS are proposed as reliable and valuable measurements of parental-foetal bonding. The scales contribute to the cross-cultural comparison of research on maternal and paternal-foetal bonding. Identifying parents with bonding difficulties already prenatally can enable specific forms of support addressing the parent-child-relationship in the peripartum period. Abbreviations Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS). Paternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (PAAS). confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation (RMSEA). Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR). Comparative Fit Index (CFI). Tucker Lewis Index (TLI). principal axis factoring (PAF). mean (M). standard deviation (SD). standard error (SE). item difficulty (Pi). Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value (KMO)

A cross-sectional study of maternal-fetal attachment and perceived stress at the first antenatal visit.

ABSTRACT Background Maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) psychologically is well described. Suboptimal attachment may have negative consequences particularly if it is associated with unhealthy maternal behaviour that may potentially increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The perception of stress or anxiety is also associated with potential adverse outcomes including preterm birth. Objective This cross-sectional study examined MFA and perceived stress at the time of the first ultrasound examination in early pregnancy. Methods Convenience sampling was used to recruit women after they presented to the Ultrasound Department for a routine dating ultrasound at their first antenatal visit. Informed consent was obtained and clinical and sociodemographic details were recorded. Women were invited to complete validated Cranley MFA and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaires. Results Of the 90 women recruited, 80 completed the questionnaires successfully. No association was found between the MFA score and maternal age, parity, education, marital status, previous pregnancy loss or smoking behaviour. An unplanned pregnancy was associated with a lower mean MFA score (p < 0.01) and a higher mean PSS score (p < 0.005). These relationships persisted in a multiple regression analysis controlling for maternal age and parity. Conclusion In early pregnancy, an unplanned pregnancy is associated with a lower MFA and higher PSS score. Additional research is required to assess if this persists as pregnancy advances. Abbreviations Maternal-Fetal Attachment (MFA), Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), Perceived stress scale (PSS), Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS), Standard Deviation (SD), Central Statistics Office (CSO), Body Mass Index (BMI), Relative Risk (RR)

Moderating Effect of Perceived Social Support on Relationship Between Negative Emotion and Maternal-Fetal Attachment

Objective To explore the effect of anxiety, depression, perceived social support on maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) in women during late pregnancy. Method A sample of 207 cases of women during late pregnancy was assessed with Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results Anxiety and depression scores were negatively correlated with MFA scores (r=-0.401,-0.416, P<0.01); perceived social support scores were negatively correlated with anxiety and depression (r=-0.233,-0.362, P<0.01), but positively correlated with MFA scores (r=0.200, P<0.01). The interactive effects of anxiety×perceived social support and depression × perceived social support on MFA were significant(β=0.196、0.204, P<0.01). Conclusion Perceived social support played a moderating role between negative emotion and MFA. Key words: Maternal-fetal attachment; Anxiety; Depression; Perceived social support

Early maladaptive schemas as predictors of maternal bonding to the unborn child

BackgroundThe quality of an expectant mother’s bonding to the fetus has been shown to be associated with important developmental outcomes. Previous studies suggest that bonding quality is predicted by, for example, social support, psychological well-being, and depression. However, little is known regarding the role of maternal cognition in maternal-fetal bonding. Early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) are negative and stable assumptions about oneself and one’s relationships with others that are developed during childhood and adolescence. In the present study, we examined the associations between EMSs and the quality of the bonding to the fetus in expectant mothers.MethodsThe present investigation is part of a larger study in which 220 pregnant women (approximately 12% of the pregnant women in the region) and 130 of their partners were recruited from October 2015 until December 2017. The sample for the current study comprised 165 pregnant women (mean age 30.8 years, SD 4.1 years). The participants completed the Young Schema Questionnaire Short Form 3 (YSQ-S3) between gestational weeks 24 and 37 and the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) between gestational weeks 31 and 41.ResultsAll EMS domains correlated significantly and negatively with scores for quality of maternal-fetal bonding on the MAAS. Only the Disconnection and Rejection domain correlated significantly and negatively with MAAS scores for intensity of preoccupation with the fetus. The Disconnection and Rejection domain was a significant independent predictor of the quality of maternal-fetal bonding. Symptoms of depression mediated the effect of the EMS domains on the quality of maternal-fetal bonding. The EMS domains Disconnection and Rejection, Impaired Autonomy and Performance, and Impaired Limits showed significant direct effects on bonding quality.ConclusionsEMSs are related to expectant mothers’ self-reported bonding to their fetuses. This association was mediated by the mothers’ symptoms of depression. The results may have implications for the early identification of pregnant women at risk of bonding difficulties and encourage more studies on cognitive schemas and mechanisms for maternal-fetal bonding.

Interleukin-17A and Chronic Stress in Pregnant Women at 24-28 Weeks Gestation.

Allostatic load (AL) is a biopsychosocial model that suggests chronic psychosocial stress leads to physiological dysregulation and poor outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine AL in pregnant women operationalized using proinflammatory cytokines and psychosocial indicators and perinatal outcomes. The aim of the study was to identify relationships between circulating cytokines/chemokines and the Prenatal Distress Questionnaire, the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, the Emotional Quotient Inventory, the Life Experiences Scale, and demographics in pregnant women. A cross-sectional design was used to recruit pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. Blood and stress/emotional indicators were obtained after informed consent. Plasma was abstracted to simultaneously measure 29 cytokines/chemokines using a multiplex array. Cytokine/chemokine levels were compared with continuous variables using Spearman's rho and with categorical variables using Mann-Whitney U. Twenty-five women with medically high-risk (n = 16) and low-risk (n = 9) pregnancies consented. Most women were White (68%) with a mean age of 29 years (SD = 5.9). Although several cytokines and chemokines showed significant correlations with the stress/emotional indicators, only interleukin-17A (IL-17A) was significantly associated with all of the indicators (Prenatal Distress Questionnaire: rs = .528, p = .012; Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale: rs = -.439, p = .036; Emotional Quotient Inventory total: rs = -.545, p = .007), Life Experiences Scale (rs = .458, p = .032), birth weight (rs = -.499, p = .013), and race (p = .01). Increased levels of IL-17A, a known cytokine associated with chronic stress and with poor perinatal outcomes, were associated with high prenatal distress, low maternal attachment, and lower emotional intelligence in pregnant women. Increased levels of IL-17A also were associated with lower birth weight and non-White race. Results support the model of AL in pregnant women and highlight IL-17A as a potential biomarker of AL during pregnancy.

The Association of Maternal Exposure to Domestic Violence During Childhood With Prenatal Attachment, Maternal-Fetal Heart Rate, and Infant Behavioral Regulation.

Human and animal models suggest that maternal hormonal and physiological adaptations during pregnancy shape maternal brain functioning and behavior crucial for offspring care and survival. Less sensitive maternal behavior, often associated with psychobiological dysregulation and the offspring's behavioral and emotional disorders, has been observed in mothers who have experienced adverse childhood experiences. Strong evidence shows that children who are exposed to domestic violence (DV) are at risk of being abused or becoming abusive in adulthood. Yet little is known about the effect of childhood exposure to DV on the expecting mother, her subsequent caregiving behavior and related effects on her infant. Thus, the present study examined the association of maternal exposure to DV during childhood on prenatal maternal attachment, maternal heart rate reactivity to an infant-crying stimulus and post-natal infant emotional regulation. Thirty-three women with and without exposure to DV during childhood were recruited during the first trimester of pregnancy and followed until 6-month after birth. The Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) was used to measure prenatal attachment of the mother to her fetus during the second trimester of pregnancy, maternal and fetal heart rate reactivity to an infant-crying stimulus was assessed at the third trimester of pregnancy, and the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R) was used to assess infant emotional regulation at 6-months. Results showed that pregnant women that were exposed to DV during childhood had a poorer quality of prenatal attachment of mother to fetus, regardless of whether they also experienced DV during adulthood. In addition, maternal exposure to DV during childhood was associated with increased maternal heart rate to infant-crying stimulus and worse infant emotional regulation. These findings highlight the importance of prenatal screening for maternal exposure to DV during childhood as a risk factor for disturbances in the development of maternal attachment, dysfunctional maternal behavior and emotion dysregulation.

Improved Maternal Bonding with the Use of 3D-printed Models in the Setting of a Facial Cleft

Aim: Case presentation of the effects of 3D-printed models on the maternal bonding of two fetuses with facial clefts. Method: In one case the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale was used to score maternal bonding before and after viewing of 3D-printed images. In the other case, the effect of the 3D-printed image was witnessed anecdotally. Both 3D prints were created using polylactic acid on an Ultramaker 2+ printer. Result: In both cases maternal bonding appeared to be improved. Increased global bonding and quality of attachment was quantifiably measured in the second case. Conclusion: 3D-printed models can be a useful addition to patient education and can positively impact maternal–fetal bonding. Further study is required to evaluate how 3D printing can affect maternal bonding in a larger setting.

Effect of the fetal movement count on maternal-fetal attachment.

This study aimed to determine the effect of fetal movement counting on maternal-fetal attachment. This study was a randomized controlled trial, conducted with experimental and control groups, each including 55 pregnant women from six family health centers in the Malatya Province, located in the east of Turkey. The data were collected by using a Personal Information Form and the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale. Training for fetal movement counting was provided to the experimental group. The pre- and posttraining maternal-fetal attachment levels of the experimental group (fetal movements that were regularly counted for 4 weeks) and the control group (continual routine monitoring) were compared. In the pretraining pretest, no difference was found between the maternal-fetal attachment scores of the experimental and the control groups, whereas the maternal-fetal attachment score of the experimental group was found to be higher than that of the control group in the post-test that was applied 4 weeks later. This research indicated that fetal movement counting positively affected maternal-fetal attachment.

Pregnant Women Sharing Pregnancy-Related Information on Facebook: Web-Based Survey Study.

BackgroundResearch indicates expectant and new mothers use the Internet, specifically social media, to gain information and support during the transition to parenthood. Although parents regularly share information about and photos of their child or children on Facebook, researchers have neither explored the use of Facebook to share pregnancy-related information nor investigated factors that influence such sharing.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to address a gap in the literature by exploring the use of Facebook by pregnant women. Specifically, the study examined the use of Facebook to share pregnancy-related information, as well as any association between prenatal attachment and the aforementioned aspects of sharing pregnancy-related information on Facebook.MethodsPregnant women who were at least 18 years of age were recruited for participation in the study through posts and paid advertisements on Facebook and posts to professional organization listservs. Individuals interested in participating were directed to a secure Web-based survey system where they completed the consent form and the survey that focused on their current pregnancy. Participants completed the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale and answered questions that assessed how often they shared pregnancy-related information on Facebook, who they shared it with, why they shared it, and what they shared.ResultsA total of 117 pregnant women completed the survey. Descriptive statistics indicated that the pregnancy announcement was most commonly shared (75/108, 69.4%), with most women sharing pregnancy-related information on Facebook less than monthly (52/117, 44.4%) with only family and friends (90/116, 77.6% and 91/116, 78.4%, respectively) and for the purpose of involving others or sharing the experience (62/107, 57.9%). Correlation and regression analyses showed that prenatal attachment, in general, was positively and significantly related to all aspects of sharing pregnancy-related information at the P<.05 level, with the exception of sharing because of expectations. Quality of attachment, which involves the positive feelings the woman has about her unborn child, was significantly associated with sharing to involve others or share the pregnancy (t8,93=2.654 , P=.009). In contrast, after controlling for other variables, the strength or preoccupation component of prenatal attachment was significantly associated with frequency of sharing (t8,100=2.554 , P=.01), number to types of information shared (t8,97=2.605 , P=.01), number of groups with whom shared (t8,99=3.467, P=.001), and sharing to get advice (χ28=5.339 , P=.02).ConclusionsPregnant women in this study used Facebook for a variety of reasons, demonstrating the use of the social media platform during pregnancy for supportive and informational purposes. Overall, the results of this study are likely to be useful to professionals who are seeking alternative methods for providing intervention, information, and support to pregnant women via social media in our technology-driven society.

Maternal–foetal attachment independently predicts the quality of maternal–infant bonding and post-partum psychopathology

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of maternal antenatal attachment and post-partum psychopathology, maternal–infant bonding, while checking for antenatal psychopathology, for lifetime psychiatric diagnosis and for the known risk factors for peripartum depression.Methods: One hundred and six women recruited at the first month of pregnancy (T0) were evaluated with the structured interview for DSM-IV TR (SCID-I) to assess the presence of lifetime psychiatric diagnosis and with the Perinatal Depression Predictor Inventory-Revised (PDPI-R), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). At the sixth month of pregnancy (T1) and at the first month post-partum (T2), all patients were evaluated with the PDPI-R, the EPDS, the STAI, at T1, with the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS), and at T2 with the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale (MPAS).Results: Multivariate regression analyses showed that maternal–foetal attachment was the variable most significantly associated with postnatal symptoms of depression and anxiety and with quality of maternal-infant attachment. The logistic regression analyses showed that antenatal attachment may predict postnatal depressive and anxiety symptoms (respectively, OR: 0.83 – IC [0.74 − 0.95], p = .005, OR: 0.88 – IC [0.79 − 0.98], p = .02), and the quality of maternal postnatal attachment (OR: 1.17 – IC [1.08 − 1.27], p < .001), also after taking into account the known risk factors for perinatal depression, the sociodemographic variables and lifetime psychiatric diagnosis.Conclusion: The quality of maternal–foetal bonding may independently predict the quality of maternal–infant attachment and post-partum depressive and anxiety symptoms. A comprehensive assessment of maternal risk factors for perinatal psychopathology during pregnancy should include the evaluation of antenatal attachment that could be modifiable by specific interventions promoting the quality of maternal bonding.