Maternal-fetal Attachment Behaviors Research Articles

High-risk Pregnancy Nursing: Analyzing the Impact of Prenatal Stress, Maternal-Fetal Attachment, and Social Support on Prenatal Depression

Background The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of pregnancy stress, maternal-fetal attachment, and social support on prenatal depression among high-risk pregnant women. This research aims to provide foundational data to assist in preventing prenatal depression in high-risk pregnant women within the nursing field. Methods A study was conducted on 141 high-risk pregnant women diagnosed as high-risk and hospitalized, who were less than 37 weeks pregnant. The study investigated pregnancy stress, maternal-fetal attachment, social support, and general characteristics. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS WIN 22.0 software, employing methods, such as frequency, percentage, standard deviation, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, Scheffé test, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results The participants showed a positive correlation between prenatal depression and pregnancy stress (r= 0.51, p< 0.001) and negative correlations with maternal-fetal attachment (r=- 0.38, p< 0.001) and social support (r=- 0.50, p< 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that the relationship with the spouse (β=-0.42, p= 0.006), a family history of depression (β= 0.35, p< 0.001), pregnancy stress (β= 0.30, p< 0.001), and maternal-fetal attachment (β=- 0.15, p= 0.033) significantly influenced prenatal depression in that order, with an explanatory power of 52% (F=16.04, p<0.001). Conclusion In managing prenatal depression in high-risk pregnant women, it is essential to identify individuals with strained relationships with their spouses or a family history of depression. Furthermore, implementing educational and nursing intervention programs designed to reduce pregnancy stress and encourage maternal-fetal attachment behaviors is crucial.

Relationship Between Maternal-Fetal Attachment With Anxiety and Demographic Factors in High-risk Pregnancy Primipara Women

Background & Aims: There are contradictory results in studies on the relationship between maternal-fetal attachment behaviors and anxiety in high-risk pregnancies. This study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal-fetal attachment and anxiety and demographic characteristics of first pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 pregnant women with preeclampsia, hypertension, and preterm were enrolled in two prenatal clinics of a selected hospital affiliated with the Iran University of Medical Sciences in 1998. The random sampling method was simple. The instruments used in this study included the demographic and midwifery questionnaire, the Cranley fetal-maternal attachment questionnaire, and the Wendenberg pregnancy anxiety questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Spss software version 16 using independent t-test, analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression.. Results: The mean maternal attachment to the fetus was 85.26±12.68 in the participating women. It was moderate level. The mean score of female anxiety was 196.20±66.34, higher than the mean of the instrument. There was a statistically significant correlation between the total score of maternal attachment to the fetus and the total score of female anxiety (P<0.001). There was a significant and inverse relationship between education of pregnant women and their husbands, support of pregnant women, and planning for pregnancy with maternal attachment to the fetus and anxiety (P<0.001). Conclusion: Less education for pregnant mothers and, lack of planning for pregnancy, less support from spouses to pregnant women have caused them to become more attached to the fetus. The mothers were more worried in the face of preterm pregnancy. The efforts of health care providers should be for pregnancy care in this group of women with higher quality and with more consultation time.

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

Prediction of Maternal-Fetal Attachment Based on the Components of Gender Role in Pregnant women

Background and aim: Maternal concept is part of the feminine gender role. The important part of the maternal concept is the unique relationship experience between mother and child that begins with maternal-fetal attachment(MFA) during pregnancy. The aim of this study is predict the MFA according to Gender role in pregnant women in Shiraz city. Methods:This descriptive correlational study was conducted on 171 primiparous and multiparous women with Gestational age above 24 weeks of pregnancy reffering to the obstetric and midwifery department of Shiraz –Kowsar Hospital during 2 monthes period from May to June 2015, which were selected using the Purposive sampling.Data were collected using a Demographic obstetric questionnaire including age and obstetric information,Cranly’s Maretnal Fetal Attachment questionnaire(validity:0.85) and Bem Gender Role questionnaire(reliability:0.90) were used during this study. For data analysis Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression were performed,using spss version 16. Results: Results showed a statistically significant correlation between components of femininity and masculinity of gender role with maternal-fetal attachment. Maximum correlation was between Masculinity and MFA ( R=0.33, P=0.001) and then between Femininity and MFA (R=0.24,P=0.009).There was no correlation between neutral and MFA.(R=0.12,P=0.084) Almost 14% of the variance in maternal-fetal attachment was explained by gender role . According to the comparison of regression coefficients, the femininity indicator (β=0.159 ,P=0.015) and masculinity indicator (β=0.266, P=0.001) were positively predicted the maternal-fetal attachment, but neutral component (β=0.109, P=0.064) was not predicted the maternal-fetal attachment (Table 2). Conclusions: Gender role is part of mental health that predicts MFA during pregnancy. Mental health of mother and fetus can be improved by identifying mothers based Gender role. These finding could be used for promoting maternal fetal attachment behaviors during pregnancy.

Influence of Social Support and Self-Esteem on Maternal-Fetal Attachment in Unmarried Pregnant Women

The present study aimed to identify factors affecting maternal–fetal attachment behaviors among unmarried pregnant women. The research participants included 105 unmarried pregnant women from 15 shelters for unmarried mothers around the country. The data were collected from January to February 2015 through a survey and descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVAs, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical regression analysis were analyzed using SPSS 20. The results suggest that current childcare plans and support from friends were significant factors affecting maternal–fetal attachment behaviors. The overall explanatory power of these variables for maternal–fetal attachment behaviors was 30.5%, with friend support being more influential than current childcare plans. This study indicates that prenatal care aimed at enhancing the maternal– fetal attachment of unmarried pregnant women would benefit from taking childcare plans and support from friends into consideration.

The Effect of Acupressure at GB-21 and SP-6 Acupoints on Anxiety Level and Maternal-Fetal Attachment in Primiparous Women: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Delivery is one of the most stressful events in women's life. Excessive anxiety, in turn, increases delivery and pregnancy complications. Mother's positive experience of delivery leads to more effective maternal-fetal attachment in the first few hours of birth. The present study aimed to compare the effects of acupressure at two different acupoints on anxiety level and maternal-fetal attachment in primiparous women. In this study, 150 primiparous women were allocated to acupressure at GB-21 acupoint, acupressure at SP-6 acupoint, and control group. The women in their active phase of delivery were enrolled in the study and pressure was applied to the acupoints for 20 minutes. Mother's anxiety level was assessed using Spielberger's questionnaire before and one hour after the intervention. In addition, maternal-fetal attachment behaviors were evaluated using Avant's questionnaire during the first breastfeeding. Then the data were introduced to the SPSS (v. 13) and were analyzed using t test and one way ANOVA. The results revealed no significant difference among the three groups regarding the anxiety level before the intervention (P > 0.05). One hour after the intervention, this measure was significantly lower in the intervention groups in comparison to the control group (P < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found between the two intervention groups in this regard (P > 0.05). Moreover, maternal-fetal attachment was higher in the intervention groups in comparison with the control group (P < 0.001). Acupressure at both acupoints reduced anxiety level and increased maternal-fetal attachment. This method can be easily used in the delivery room.

A comparative study on Maternal Fetal Attachment behaviors of women with and without history of perinatal loss

Abstract Background: Maternal mental health and motherhood adaption behaviors during pregnancy have been paid much attention during recent years. This study aims to compare maternal fetal attachment behaviors of women with and without history of perinatal loss Material and Methods: This was a comparative study on women in two groups of women with and without history of perinatal loss. The participants were recruited using a convenience method of sampling, from prenatal care services affiliated to Shahid Behesti University of Medical Sciences. Tools for data collection included a questionnaire with demographic- and fertility- related questions as well as the Persian version of Cranly ’s MFA questionnaire The MFAS scale included questions in groups including role-taking, differentiation of self from fetus, interaction with fetus, attribution of characteristics to fetus, and giving of self. Data was analyzed by SPSS and using t, ANOVA, regression, Chi square, Pearson correlation and Mann Whitney tests. Results: One hundred women aged years (Mean±SD), with weaks gestational age participated in the study. Finding showed that total mean score for MFA of women with history perinatal loss ( Percent) is not significantly different from the mean score of primigravid women without such a history ( Percent) (p< ). Primigravid women without history of perinatal loss had a significantly higher score for the behaviors related to “differentiation of self from fetus” comparing to women with history of perinatal loss But, two groups were not different regarding to other groups of MFA behaviors (p< ). Conclusion: Maternal-fetal attachment behaviors of women with and without history of perinatal loss were not different. However women with the history of perinatal loss shows lower scores for behaviors related to differentiation of self from fetus. Key word: Pregnancy, perinatal loss, Maternal Fetal Attachment

History of perinatal loss and maternal–fetal attachment behaviors

Maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) is an important requirement for optimal maternal-infant adaptation. Current studies showed conflicting findings about whether a history of perinatal loss (fetal/neonatal death) affects maternal attachment in pregnancy. "Does a history of perinatal loss affect maternal-fetal attachment behaviors?" One hundred women with and without a history of PL were recruited using a convenience method of sampling, from prenatal care services affiliated to Shahid Behesti University of Medical Sciences. Data collected by questionnaires from a convenience sample of multiparous women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy with no surviving children were compared with data from a selected cohort of primigravid women. The two groups of women were matched for health and literacy. The data collected included demographic characteristics and responses to 24 questions in five groups of behaviors on the Persian version of Cranly's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS 13 and using t, ANOVA, Chi square, Pearson correlation and Mann-Whitney tests. Finding showed that total score of MFA for women with a history of PL (68.95±9.20%) is not significantly different from this score for women without such a history (71.22±11.75%; p<0.05). Women with a history of PL had a significantly lower score for a subgroup of behaviors "differentiation of self from fetus" compared to women without of a history of PL (78.25 vs. 83.21%; p<0.05). But, there were no statistically significant differences between two groups respecting to other subgroups of behaviors between two groups. In this study, a history of pregnancy loss was found to be associated with disturbances in the group of maternal-fetal attachment behaviors related to "differentiation of self from fetus" in a subsequent pregnancy.

A 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.

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.

The Development of Attachment Behaviors in Pregnant Adolescents

The development of attachment behaviors over time in a group of pregnant adolescents, ages 12 to 19, was investigated with Rubin's theoretical framework. Seventy-nine low-income pregnant adolescents enrolled in the study in their first trimester. Follow-up data were collected in the second and third trimesters (n = 64 and 54, respectively) and after delivery (n = 47). Multivariate analysis, using profile analysis, indicated that maternal attachment in adolescents begins in pregnancy and increases over time, especially after quickening. Age-related differences were noted in the development of maternal-fetal attachment behaviors related to giving of self. Results showed a positive relationship between attachment in the third trimester and demonstration of affectionate behaviors toward the infant after birth. These findings are consistent with the theoretical framework.

The Development of Attachment Behaviors in Pregnant Adolescents

The development of attachment behaviors over time in a group of pregnant adolescents, ages 12 to 19, was investigated with Rubin's theoretical framework. Seventy-nine low-income pregnant adolescents enrolled in the study in their first trimester. Follow-up data were collected in the second and third trimesters (n = 64 and 54, respectively) and after delivery (n = 47). Multivariate analysis, using profile analysis, indicated that maternal attachment in adolescents begins in pregnancy and increases over time, especially after quickening. Age-related differences were noted in the development of maternal-fetal attachment behaviors related to giving of self. Results showed a positive relationship between attachment in the third trimester and demonstration of affectionate behaviors toward the infant after birth. These findings are consistent with the theoretical framework.

Early patterns of maternal attachment

The relationship between maternal-fetal attachment and maternal-child interaction was examined. The Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale (Cranley, 1981) was administered to 32 women between their 35th and 40th weeks of pregnancy. These mothers were observed again while they fed their infants once on the second and once on the third postpartum days. Their interactive behaviors were then rated on the Nursing Child Assessment Feeding Scale (University of Washington) and the Funke Mother-Infant Interaction Assessment. The findings indicated a positive and significant relationship between maternal fetal attachment behaviors and mother-infant interaction. Qualitative data collected during the research process gave meaning and interpretation to observed behaviors. Implications for nursing practice are discussed.

The Effect of Promoting Intrauterine Attachment in Primiparas on Postdelivery Attachment

Twenty-two women participated in a modified replicate study which examined the effects of prenatal maternal attachment behaviors during first pregnancies. A pretest reflected the degree of maternal-fetal attachment behaviors and attitudes already formed. The women in the experimental group received three interventions aimed at directing the mothers' attentions toward their fetuses. The remaining women received routine prenatal care only. All mothers were observed once in the first few days postpartum to assess maternal attachment behaviors. Data analysis did not substantiate the findings of the earlier study. Factors identified in the added pretest may have accounted for this difference.