Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale Research Articles

The Effect of Haptonomy Intervention on Fear of Childbirth and Maternal- Fetal Attachment Among Primigravid Women

Background: Fear of childbirth (FOC) is considered as one of the factors influencing the increase of elective cesarean section. The appropriate solution to reduce the FOC has not yet been identified. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of haptonomy intervention on FOC and maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) among primigravid women‎. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 68 primigravid women with a gestational age of 24-28 weeks who referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran with a FOC score above 65. Participants were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group (n=34) received haptonomy in 5 sessions, once a week for 45-60 minutes, and control group received an information pamphlet about pain management options in labor and fetal development during pregnancy. The data were collected using Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire-version A, Cranley’s MFA Scale, and Revised Pregnancy Related Anxiety Questionnaire, before the intervention and at gestational age of 35-37 weeks. The data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-test, and ANCOVA. Findings: After intervention and controlling the effect of baseline score, the mean score of FOC in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group [Adjusted mean difference (AMD): -23.67, 95% CI: - 28.12 to -19.23, P =0.001]. Further, the mean score of MFA indicated a significant difference between the two groups [AMD: 10.12, 95% CI: 6.44 to 13.8, p <0.001]. Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed the effectiveness of the haptonomy intervention in reducing FOC and increasing MFA. Therefore, the use of haptonomy intervention is recommended among mothers with high and severe FOC and low MFA.

Precursors of Prenatal Attachment and Anxiety during Pregnancy in Women Who Procreate Naturally and Pregnant Women following Assisted Reproduction Technology.

The process of adaptation of the woman to pregnancy seems to be influenced by many factors, such as the type of conception, the mother's age, the possible presence of other children, and socio-cultural factors. Women who conceived with an assisted reproductive technique are emotionally vulnerable; compared with pregnant women who procreated naturally, they manifest elevated anxiety, which seems to be correlated to the fright of being separated from their child. Objectives of the present research are as follows: (1) to analyze the relationship between age, gestational age, time expectancy, previous failed attempts, perception of a high-risk pregnancy, and presence of other children, with the level of maternal-fetal attachment (MFA); (2) explore the level of maternal-infant attachment and anxiety by comparing the control and experimental group; (3) to measure a possible relationship between anxiety levels and MFA in ART pregnant women; (4) to identify variables predictive of prenatal attachment. The study group is formed by ninety-five women aged between 18-42 years (M = 30.57; S.D. = 5.47), pregnant from the 23rd to the 37th week (M = 28.95; S.D. = 3.99); on which 50 women who procreate naturally and 45 pregnant women following assisted reproductive technology. They completed: Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and ad hoc questionnaire to collect anamnestic data. The results show the presence of a correlation between gestational age and waiting period, between the number of assisted fertilization attempts with the worry about their ability to become pregnant, but a negative correlation between pregnancy weeks and the level of maternal-fetal attachment. The study shows the predictive role of anxiety on the MFA. The applications and indications for future research are analyzed.

Quality of prenatal care and maternal fetal attachment among primigravid mothers in the Philippines: A cross sectional study

BackgroundThe prenatal period is a proper chance for evaluating maternal-fetal attachment. AimTo determine the relationship between quality of prenatal care and maternal-fetal attachment among primigravida mothers during late pregnancy period. MethodsThe study conducted a survey using a 46-item Quality of Prenatal Care Questionnaire and 24-item Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale among 343 primigravida mothers in village health stations. Pearson correlation was used to correlate maternal-fetal attachment scores and quality of prenatal scores. Linear regression was used to determine relationships between variables. ResultsMaternal-fetal attachment scores is correlated with: age ≤19 years (4.10 [95 % CI 1.81–6.39]), companion during visits (2.76 [95 % CI 0.34–5.18]), education (3.45 [95 % CI 0.93–5.97]). On multivariate analysis, the following were significantly associated with maternal-fetal attachment scores: information sharing (8.67 [95 % CI 4.74 - 12.60]), sufficient time (-2.34 [95 % CI -3.45 - -1.24]), support and respect (8.49 [95 % CI 4.54 - 12.45]), maternal age < 19 years (-3.78 [-5.81 to -1.75]), and unmarried (2.55 [95 % CI 0.70 - 4.41]). ConclusionThe quality of prenatal care is correlated significantly with maternal-fetal attachment. Women valued the care given when it was individualized and the health workers were approachable in their ways and addressed their own particular needs. Combination of prenatal education and counselling tailored to address own particular emotional and social concerns of pregnant mothers are interventions that should be integrated in maternal care services.

Взаимосвязь эмоционального состояния и привязанности к плоду у женщин, забеременевших с помощью ЭКО, с перинатальными исходами их детей

Children's development in the early years is significantly linked to further wellbeing. Among many factors involved in early development are mother’s attachment to the fetus and her emotional state during pregnancy. The current study prospectively explores mothers’ characteristics during the third trimester of pregnancy and their newborn children outcomes. The sample included 300 women with natural conception (NC) and 127 women with in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and their newborn children. For mothers, the following instruments were used: the Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale, the Clinical Scale for Self-assessment of Irritability, Depression and Anxiety. For newborns, the following parameters of newborn children outcomes were assessed: gestational period; the length and weight; the Apgar score in the first and fifth minutes after birth. All components of maternal attachment to the fetus were in the normal range for most women in both groups. All aspects of maternal attachment to the fetus were significantly greater in the IVF group. In both groups, more than 35% of women experienced depression and 43% of women experienced moderate/severe levels of anxiety. In the NC group, greater scores on giving of self and enjoying of watching tummy jiggle as the baby kicks inside were associated with less irritation in mothers. In the IVF group, the indicators of women’s attachment to their fetus were not associated with emotional states. Neither mothers’ attachment to their fetus nor their emotional states during pregnancy predicted newborn children outcomes. Children born from IVF had a statistically lower gestational period than in the NC group.

Preliminary evidence of psychological improvements and increased maternal-fetal attachment associated with a mindfulness sleep programme: secondary analysis of uncontrolled data in 11 pregnant women with insomnia disorder.

Treating insomnia during pregnancy improves sleep and depressed mood. However, given well-established links between poor sleep and a broad spectrum of adverse maternal outcomes, the benefits of insomnia care may reach beyond sleep and depression. The present study evaluated the preliminary efficacy of 'Perinatal Understanding of Mindful Awareness for Sleep' (PUMAS)-a mindfulness sleep programme tailored to pregnancy that combines behavioural sleep strategies and meditation-for enhancing everyday mindfulness and maternal-fetal attachment, as well as for alleviating anxiety, repetitive thinking, and sleep-related daytime impairment. We conducted a secondary analysis of a single-arm proof-of-concept trial of 11 pregnant women with fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnosed insomnia disorder who completed PUMAS (six sessions), which was delivered in an individual format via telemedicine video. Pre- and post-treatment outcomes included the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (CAMS-R), Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), Generalised Anxiety Disorder seven-item survey (GAD-7), Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ), Daytime Insomnia Symptoms Response Scale (DISRS), and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep-Related Impairment Scale (PROMIS-SRI). Symptom changes were evaluated with paired-samples t tests. Results showed PUMAS patients reported large increases in CAMS-R (Cohen's dz = 1.81) and medium-large increases in MFAS scores (Cohen's dz = 0.73). Moreover, PUMAS patients reported large reductions in scores on the GAD-7 (Cohen's dz = 1.09), PTQ (Cohen's dz = 1.26), DISRS (Cohen's dz = 1.38), and PROMIS-SRI (Cohen's dz = 1.53). Preliminary evidence suggests that a mindfulness-based perinatal sleep programme may benefit several domains of maternal wellbeing beyond sleep and depression. PUMAS substantially enhanced patient ratings of everyday mindfulness and maternal-fetal attachment, while reporting alleviations in anxiety, perseverative thinking, insomnia-focused rumination, and sleep-related daytime impairment.

Experiences of maltreatment in childhood are associated with increasing anxiety and lower body acceptance over pregnancy

ObjectivePrior studies have established that childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors are at increased risk for anxiety during pregnancy. Less is known about the course of anxiety throughout pregnancy for CSA survivors as well as underlying mechanisms linking CSA and perinatal anxiety. We assessed change in anxiety over the course of pregnancy for CSA survivors and examined whether acceptance and awareness of pregnancy-related body changes mediated this change. Methods299 pregnant participants from two larger longitudinal cohort studies were grouped into CSA (n = 67), “other Maltreatment” (OM; n = 111); and “no abuse” (NA; n = 121) based on responses to the Adverse Childhood Events scale. We used a general linear mixed model with repeated measures to examine change in anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Scale) at two time points (MEGA = 26.2 weeks and 34.9) by abuse/maltreatment group and then examined whether group differences in anxiety were mediated by body awareness/acceptance (from Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale) using structural equation modeling. ResultsThe CSA group demonstrated higher anxiety at both gestational time-points and significantly greater increase in anxiety over gestation compared to OM and NA groups (F(1, 280) p = .046). CSA and OM groups reported significantly lower body acceptance than those without abuse/maltreatment (F(2, 287) = 3.486, p = .032). A small proportion of the total effect of CSA on change in anxiety (0.5%) was attributable to body acceptance. ConclusionPregnant CSA survivors experienced a greater increase in anxiety over pregnancy compared to other groups. Both abuse/maltreatment groups exhibited lower body acceptance, yet this contributed little to the association between CSA and anxiety.

The relationship between maternal-fetus attachment and perceived parental bonds in pregnant women: Considering a possible mediating role of psychological distress.

In this cross-sectional study, 1,177 pregnant women answered the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y), and Beck-Depression Inventory (BDI-II). We found out that perceived maternal and paternal care had significant direct effects on maternal-infant bonding during the pregnancy period when controlling for some confounders, including gestational age and mother age among others. Such maternal and paternal perceived care effects were not mediated by levels of psychological distress, which in turn resulted to be a "borderline" significant predictor of prenatal attachment. Interestingly, the gestational age and the mother age emerged to have a significant and synergic nonlinear effect, suggesting the influence on the MFAS of the gestational age depends on the values of the mother age, and likewise, the effect of mother age on MFAS depends on the gestational week. This study expands our knowledge of the intergenerational transmission of attachment pointing out the effects of a woman's perceived bond in relation to her parental figures during the development of the prenatal attachment process. Findings also suggests that parenting support interventions may have benefits that are realized across generations.

Construct validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS): a proposal for a 12-item short version.

This study aimed to update the assessment of construct validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS). This is part of a cohort study, in which the scale was applied to 415 pregnant women. The factor structure was verified via structural equation models. Comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) were used to verify the model fit. Additionally, to test the validity of the MFAS based on external variables, generalized linear model was performed to test the association between obstetric variables, social support, and symptoms of depression with the MFAS. The reliability was analyzed via the composite reliability coefficient (CR). The 12-item short version of the Brazilian MFAS showed adequate parameters of construct validity (CFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.960 and RMSEA = 0.032, 90%CI: 0.012-0.048) and is composed of three factors ("empathy and care", "role-taking", and "interaction with the fetus") containing 12 items. The total scores of the MFAS were positively correlated with social support (p-value < 0.001) and negatively correlated with depressive symptoms (p-value = 0.007). Moreover, women who live with a partner (p-value = 0.026) and had intended pregnancies (p-value < 0.001) presented a better bond with the fetus. Regarding reliability, factors 1 and 2 showed adequate values (CR = 0.72 and CR = 0.82, respectively) and factor 3 regular value (CR = 0.63). This 12-item short version of the Brazilian MFAS may be a reliable and valid instrument for scientific studies and clinical assistance in Brazil.

Quais aspectos sociais, gestacionais e de saúde mental materna estão associados ao apego materno-fetal?

Abstract Objectives: this study aimed to explore a set of factors associated with lower maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) in pregnant women. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study corresponding to the second wave of a cohort study with a population-based sample of pregnant women in the South of Brazil. The maternal-fetal attachment scale (MFAS) was used to measure MFA. Bivariate analysis was performed using the t-test and ANOVA. The variables that presented p&lt;0.20 were taken for multivariate analysis, through linear regression, in order to control possible confounding factors. Results: a total of 840 pregnant women were included. Pregnant women who had lower MFA means were those who did not live with a partner (B=-3.8 [CI95%=-6.0; -1.7]), those between the first and second trimester of pregnancy (B=-4.3 [CI95%=-5.9; -2.6]), those who did not have support from their mother during pregnancy (B=-2.4 [CI95%=-4.6; -0.2]), and those with depressive symptoms (B=-4.9 [CI95%=-7.4; -2.5]). Conclusions: the results showed that a higher MFA it is associated with an adequate support network during pregnancy, better maternal mental health, and with an advanced pregnancy. Early evaluation of MFA and effort to promote an adequate prenatal bond, focusing on maternal psychological and emotional aspects are strongly suggested.

Maternal-fetal attachment and social-emotional development in infants at 3 months of age: A population-based study in southern Brazil

Studies relate Maternal-Fetal Attachment (MFA) to delays in child development, however, the relationship with the social-emotional development is still unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between MFA and social-emotional development in infants at 3 months old, in a population-based sample in southern Brazil. This was a follow-up study corresponding to second and third wave of a population-based cohort study with pregnant women who were living in Pelotas (Southern Brazil). Social-emotional development was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development - Third Edition (BSID-III) and MFA was measured with the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS). The sample consisted of 702 mother-infant dyads. In the adjusted analysis, MFA was a predictor of social-emotional development, even when controlled for sociodemographic, maternal mental health and infant characteristics. Thus, with each increase to one point in the MFA score, there was an increase of β = 0.14, 95% CI [0.05, 0.23] in the social-emotional development score. These findings highlight the importance of MFA in early child development. Thus, infants with positive experiences of affection since the gestational period will be able to develop positive social and emotional health.

Maternal adult attachment and maternal-fetal attachment in the context of romantic relationship quality after premature birth-A cross sectional study.

ObjectiveThe primary outcome of the study was to evaluate the maternal adult attachment and maternal–fetal attachment (MFA) in the context of romantic relationship quality among mothers of preterm born children. Associations between MFA, maternal adult attachment, maternal perceived stress, depressive symptoms, social support in the neonatal period were also examined as secondary outcomes.Materials and methodsThe study had a cross-sectional design and involved 260 of women after premature birth, who participated in the study in the early neonatal period. The following self-reported methods were used: Socio-demographic questionnaire, Attachment Styles Questionnaire (ASQ), Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), The Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), The Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ).ResultsThe results showed that a secure attachment style is associated with a higher intensity of the MFA and consequently, a higher quality of the romantic relationship. Regression analysis presented that the higher the secure attachment score, the lower the perceived level of stress and depressive symptoms, which in turn lead to a higher quality of the partner relationship.ConclusionMaternal secure attachment positively impacts the romantic relationship quality and the maternal–fetal attachment. The findings also draw attention to the role of the secure attachment style as a protective factor while coping with stress and depressive symptoms.

The structure and correlates of the 20-item Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale in a population-based sample of Hungarian expectant women

ObjectiveThis study aimed at analysing the structure and reliability of the modified, 20-item Hungarian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS-HU-20), and to investigate its associations with certain demographic, pregnancy-related and psychosocial characteristics. DesignA socio-demographically diverse sample of Hungarian women completed interviews in middle or late pregnancy, as part of the countrywide Cohort ’18 Growing Up in Hungary study. SettingData collection was carried out by local health visitors either at the family home or at the health visitor's office. ParticipantsIn total, 7,315 pregnant women were included in the study; they were aged between 13 and 49, and had a mean gestational age of 30 weeks. MeasurementsIn addition to the MFAS-HU-20, other paper-and-pencil scales were applied to measure perceived social support, partnership interactions, depressive and generalized anxiety symptoms, and pregnancy-related anxiety. Socio-demographic and pregnancy-related data were collected through personal interviews. FindingsExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported an oblique two-factor model, consisting of factors that were renamed ‘Attunement’ and ‘Interaction’. Cronbach's alphas for these two subscales confirmed their adequate internal consistency. The age of the expectant women, their partnership status, level of education, equivalized household income and parity all had a small effect on their bonding, while gestational age and multiple pregnancy had no meaningful impact on prenatal attachment in the present study. The psychosocial characteristics of the pregnant women were weakly associated with their attachment to the fetus, regardless of the mother's level of education. ConclusionsThis study suggests a two-factor structure of maternal-fetal attachment that reflects the distinction between the mental and behavioural aspects of this relationship. Socio-demographic background and psychosocial characteristics have a small impact on women's attachment to their fetus. Implications for practiceThe MFAS-HU-20 seems to be a reliable and valid scale that could be utilized in prenatal research and pregnancy care. Its correlates highlight the importance of interventions aimed at providing social support for pregnant women.

The Impact of Prepartum Depression and Birth Experience on Postpartum Mother-Infant Bonding: A Longitudinal Path Analysis.

IntroductionNegative effects of impaired postpartum mother-infant-bonding on mental health of mothers, their newborn children and subsequent child development are well documented. Previous research demonstrated an association between a negative birth experience and postpartum mental health affecting postpartum mother-infant bonding. This study investigates the extent to which prepartum depression and birth experience influence the postpartum mental health of mothers and their bonding toward their newborns, and whether these influences differ according to parity and self-reported prior mental health problems.MethodThree hundred and fifty-four women (18-43 years; M = 30.13, SD = 5.10) filled in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), Salmon's Item List (SIL) assessing the birth experience, and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) at pre- and postpartum; they were also asked about birth complications and parity status.ResultsPrimipara reported significantly more birth complications (p = 0.048), with path analysis confirming this result (p < 0.001). Birth complications were associated with a more negative rating of the overall birth experience (p < 0.001). Mothers with self-reported prior mental health problems had higher prepartum depression scores (p < 0.001) but did not differ in other variables from mothers without prior self-reported mental health problems. Differences in depression scores between mothers with self-reported prior mental health problems and those without vanished at postpartum assessment (p > 0.05). Path-analysis highlighted the key role of postpartum depression, which was the only significant predictor of postpartum impairment in maternal-child bonding (p < 0.001). Birth experience and prepartum depression scores exerted an indirect effect on postpartum maternal-child bonding, mediated by postpartum depression.DiscussionThe present study demonstrates the relevance of prepartum mental health of expectant mothers, especially of those who self-report prior mental health problems. The results support that reducing mental health problems of pregnant mothers might contribute to a more positive birth experience and potentially reduce postpartum depressive symptoms. As postpartum depression is associated with impaired parent-child bonding, such targeted interventions could promote child development. Group differences between primiparous and multiparous mothers suggest that the birth experience may be an influential factor for postpartum mental health.

Impact of ultrasound and sociodemographic variables on maternal foetal attachment in Taraba State, Nigeria

Background: Maternal foetal attachment is manifested in behaviors that demonstrate care and commitment to the foetus. Ultrasound decreases maternal anxiety and confers psychological benefit following a reassuring sonogram.Maternal-foetal attachment is affected by many socio-demographic factors which include maternal age, occupation, educational level, race, marriage duration, ethnicity, Religion, income status, pregnancy planning, and identification of the foetal gender.Aim: This study was aimed at assessing the effect of ultrasound and sociodemographic factors on maternal foetal attachment during pregnancy.Method: A prospective study was conducted from November, 2019 to March, 2020. A convenient sampling method was employed and included 404 pregnant women aged 18-45 years old in their 2nd and 3rd trimester. The data were collected using a maternal foetal attachment scale questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out at p value &lt; 0.05.Result: The score of maternal foetal attachment scale was greater with post ultrasound than the pre ultrasound. There was statistically significant difference between the pre and post ultrasound maternal foetal attachment scale (p=0.000). A statistically significant difference was observed in the maternalfoetal attachment across the different ethnic groups (p=0.000), planned and unplanned pregnancy (p=0.000).Conclusion: This study revealed that ultrasound scan has influence on maternal foetal attachment, planned pregnancy. Hausa, Bandawa and Jenjo were found to be more attached to their foetuses.

Versão Abreviada da Escala de Apego Materno-Fetal: Evidências de Validade e Confiabilidade

Abstract The Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale has been widely applied in research on the subject. There are no known studies that have validated a shortened version of this instrument in Brazil. This study aimed to propose a shortened version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale and examine its evidence of validity and reliability. This methodological study was carried out on a sample of 937 pregnant women in the Primary Health Care of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais - Brazil. Construct validity and reliability were measured. A trifactor version with 15 items was obtained, which presented satisfactory adjustment indexes. Convergent and discriminant validities were close to the recommended ones. The scale differentiated attachment scores according to different sample characteristics. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.878) and composite reliability (&gt; 0.70) were appropriate. The abbreviated Brazilian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale presented satisfactory psychometric attributes for application to pregnant women in Primary Health Care.

Психологическая характеристика осужденных беременных женщин

The work is focused on revealing psychological characteristics of pregnant women con-demned to prison sentence. Among other things, we studied their attitudes towards their pregnancy, the coming child, mother’s role and motherhood in general. The materials pre-sented are from an empirical study we carried out in 2020 on a sample of 72 pregnant women serving their prison sentences in penal colonies and open prisons of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia. Social and demographic as well as criminological parame-ters were studied along with their relationship with characteristics found through psycho-logical methodologies. A questionnaire was used which reflected the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics. The data related to their criminal-law and correctional charac-teristics were filled in by the personnel in the questionnaire Characteristics of Convicted Pregnant Women. The psychological aspect was studied using the following: 1) Maternal-Foetal Attachment Scale by J. T. Condon; 2) Test of a Pregnant Woman’s Attitudes by I.V. Dobryakov; 3) Methodology for Diagnostics of Psychic States by H.J. Eysenck; 4) My Pregnancy questionnaire; 5) “My Child and I” drawing test by G.G. Filippova. As the re-sults of the study suggest, a pregnant woman can be put into one of three groups needing a specific approach for their prenatal preparation.

Correlation of Anxiety with Pregnancy Symptoms and Maternal-Fetal Attachment

Background: Anxiety during pregnancy may affect maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) and the prevalence of pregnancy symptoms. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the correlation of anxiety with pregnancy symptoms and MFA. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 220 pregnant women in the health centers of Tabriz, Iran, in 2020. Samples were selected by the cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the socio-demographic questionnaire, Pregnancy-related Anxiety Questionnaire-revised 2 (PRAQ-R2), MFA Scale (MFAS), and Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory (PSI), all of which were completed as self-administered in the second half of pregnancy. The Pearson's correlation coefficient and adjusted general linear model were used for data analysis. Results: The results of Pearson's correlation showed no correlation between anxiety during pregnancy and MFA among nulliparous (r = -0.003, P = 0.976) and multiparous (r = -0.003, P = 0.712) pregnant women. However, anxiety and pregnancy symptoms were significantly correlated among nulliparous (r = 0.424, P &lt; 0.001) and multiparous (r = 0.227, P = 0.028) pregnant women. According to the general linear model, after adjusting the socio-demographic variables, a significant correlation was observed between anxiety and pregnancy symptoms (P &lt; 0.001), while no relationship was found between anxiety and MFA (P = 0.705). Conclusions: Given the significant correlation between anxiety and pregnancy symptoms, pregnant women with anxiety symptoms need to be screened and treated by an expert psychological team if their disorder is confirmed.

Antenatal mind-mindedness and its relationship to maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women

In this study, researchers aimed to investigate whether a relationship exists between maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) and antenatal mind-mindedness in a sample of Australian pregnant women (n = 43). Participants completed the Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS) in their second and third trimester, and a modified ‘describe your baby’ interview with the inclusion of general prompts as a measure of antenatal mind-mindedness in their third trimester. Positive correlations were observed between mental comments, but not total predictions, made by women during the modified antenatal mind-mindedness task and MFAS scores at the second and third trimesters. An average of 6.07 total predictions and 1.30 mental predictions were made before prompts, increasing to 17.65 total comments and 6.58 mental comments after prompts. Prompts within the mind-mindedness task resulted in 42 participants making at least one mental prediction (M = 6.58). Our findings provide the first evidence for a relationship between MFA and antenatal mind-mindedness, and highlight the importance of considering mind-mindedness during pregnancy in the developing bond from mother to baby.

The Effect of Maternal–Foetal Attachment–Based Training Programme on Maternal Mental Health Following an Unintended Pregnancy

ABSTRACT Introduction Unintended pregnancy is a risk factor for less maternal–fetal attachment (MFA) and low levels of psychological well-being. This study was conducted to determine the effect of an MFA-based training programme on maternal anxiety, depression and worries following an unintended pregnancy. Methods This randomised clinical trial was conducted on 68 women with an unintended pregnancy in north of Iran during 2018–2019. Participants were allocated to the trained and control groups through simple randomisation. The trained group received the MFA-based training for three 90-min sessions. Demographic questionnaire, London measure of unplanned pregnancy, Cranley’s MFA scale, Edinburgh postnatal depression, Spielberger anxiety and prenatal distress questionnaires were used. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics, chi square, Fisher’s exact test, independent and paired-samples t-tests, Mann–Whitney U, analysis of covariance, and multivariate analysis of variance. Results After the intervention, the mean MFA, anxiety and depression scores were not significantly different between the trained and control groups Worry was significantly decreased in the trained group (p = 0.001) and increased in the control group (p = 0.03). Discussion Although the MFA-based training could not significantly improve MFA, maternal anxiety and depression, it has been effective on worry in women with the unintended pregnancies.

IMPACT OF ULTRASOUND AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES ON MATERNAL FOETAL ATTACHMENT IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Background: Maternal foetal attachment is manifested in behaviours that demonstrate care and commitment to the foetus. Ultrasound decreases maternal anxiety and confers psychological benefits following a reassuring sonogram. Maternal-foetal attachment is affected by many socio-demographic factors which include maternal age, occupation, educational level, race, marriage duration, ethnicity, Religion, income status, pregnancy planning, and identification of the foetal gender Aim: This study was aimed at assessing the effect of ultrasound and sociodemographic factors on maternal foetal attachment during pregnancy. Method: A prospective study was conducted from November 2019 to March 2020. A convenient sampling method was employed and included 404 pregnant women aged 18-45 years old in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters. The data were collected using a maternal foetal attachment scale questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out at a p-value &lt; 0.05. Result: The score of the maternal foetal attachment scale was greater with post ultrasound than the pre ultrasound. There was a statistically significant difference between the pre and post ultrasound maternal foetal attachment scale (p=0.000). A statistically significant difference was observed in the maternal foetal attachment across the different ethnic groups (p=0.000), planned and unplanned pregnancy (p=0.000). Conclusion: This study revealed that ultrasound scan has an influence on maternal foetal attachment, planned pregnancy. Hausa, Bandawa and Jenjo were found to be more attached to their foetuses.