Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale Research Articles

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

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

The Dynamics of Becoming a Mother during Pregnancy and After Childbirth.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between one’s maternal attachment style and one’s self-image as a mother, image of one’s mother as a mother, and bond with the child over a period of several months. Methods: A total of 86 women took part in the study The Adjective Check List (ACL), Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ), Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), and a modified version of the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) were used. Two measurements were used: during pregnancy and about six months after the birth of the child. Results: In terms of their self-image as mothers, the women had higher results the first time they took the questionnaire, regardless of their attachment style. An interaction effect was found between attachment style and the ‘need for changes’ scale. The image of one’s mother as a mother depended on the level of avoidance in attachment, regardless of the measurement. An interaction effect was found between attachment style and the scale of ‘personal adaptation’. There was a correlation between the bond with the child during pregnancy, the bond following birth, and the style of maternal attachment; the main predictor of the bond with the child after birth is the bond with the child during the pregnancy. Conclusion: Those who provide care for pregnant women and new mothers should be aware of the complex psychological processes in the transition to motherhood, have knowledge about perinatal mental health, and when necessary, refer women to specialists such as support groups for new mothers, trained midwives, psychologists, psychotherapists, or psychiatrists.

Effect of counselling on maternal–fetal attachment in unwanted pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial

ABSTRACT Purpose: The present study aimed to determine the effect of group counselling on Maternal–Fetal Attachment (MFA) in mothers with unwanted pregnancy. Methods: This study was a randomised clinical trial. The participants were 80 mothers with unwanted pregnancy during 28–34 weeks of pregnancy who referred to health centres of Karaj to receive prenatal care in 2018. The women were randomly assigned into intervention (N = 40) and control groups (N = 40). The intervention group received four weekly group counselling sessions to promote MFA and the control group received routine care. Cranley’s Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale was used to assess the attachment of mother to fetus at baseline and two weeks after counselling. An ANCOVA test was performed to evaluate the effect of intervention and the number of parity. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of general health scores and attachment of mother to fetus at baseline, but after the intervention, the mean scores of MFA in the intervention group had a significant difference with the control group (p < 0.001); the ANCOVA test indicated that attachment scores were significant in terms of intervention and pregnancy group and attachment scores indicated further increase in the primipara group compared to the multipara group (p = 0.041). Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of group counselling in improving MFA in unplanned pregnancy, it can be used in prenatal care.

Psychological health of women who have conceived using assisted reproductive technology in Taiwan: findings from a longitudinal study

BackgroundDespite the increasing use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and the significant physical and emotional commitments that these treatments and procedures involve, only limited evidence exists regarding the psychological health of women who undergo ART. This study investigated the changes over time in the psychological health of women who have conceived using ART during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy and during the postpartum period in Taiwan.MethodsA quantitative longitudinal study was conducted at a fertility centre in Taiwan. 158 pregnant women who had conceived using ART completed a web-based questionnaire that included the following instruments: State Anxiety Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Modified Maternal Foetal Attachment Scale, Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale, Maternity Social Support Scale, Intimate Bond Measure, and Parenting Stress Index. The data were collected the first (9–12 weeks), second (19–22 weeks), third (28–31 weeks) trimesters of pregnancy and at 7–10 weeks postpartum.ResultsLevels of anxiety and depression, which are both key indicators of psychological health, were highest during the first trimester, with scores of 42.30 ± 11.11 and 8.43 ± 4.44, respectively. After the first trimester, anxiety scores decreased and remained stable through the remainder of pregnancy, with scores of 38.03 ± 10.58 in the second and 38.39 ± 10.36 in the third trimester, but increased at two-months postpartum, attaining a score of 41.18 ± 11.68. Further, depression scores showed a similar pattern, declining to a mean of 7.21 ± 4.23 in the second and 6.99 ± 4.11 in the third trimester and then increasing to 8.39 ± 5.25 at two-months postpartum. Pregnancy stress and social support were found to be the most important predictors of change in psychological health during pregnancy and the postpartum period.ConclusionPsychological health was found to be poorest during the first trimester and at two-months postpartum. Moreover, pregnancy stress and social support were identified as key predictors of change in psychological health. The findings indicate a need for increased sensitivity among healthcare professionals to the psychological vulnerability of women who have conceived using ART as well as a need to introduce tailored interventions to provide appropriate psychological support to these women.

Effect of counseling on maternal-fetal attachment in women with unplanned pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Since the maternal-fetal attachment level in unplanned pregnancies is weaker than their planned counterparts, this study aimed to determine the effect of counselling on maternal-fetal attachment in women with unplanned pregnancy.Methods: This was a randomised controlled clinical trial on pregnant women with unplanned pregnancy and weak-average maternal-fetal attachment scores. Participants were assigned to a control (n = 40) and an intervention (n = 40) group through randomised blocking. The intervention group attended 1–3 individual and 6 group counselling sessions and the control group received routine care. The participants completed the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale before and four weeks after the intervention.Results: The mean (standard deviation) maternal-fetal attachment score of the intervention group was increased from 73.6 (8.9) before the intervention to 96.6 (9.3) after the intervention. However, the mean (standard deviation) maternal-fetal attachment scores of the control group were 76.0 (9.4) and 76.5 (6.4) before and after the intervention, respectively. The mean maternal-fetal attachment score of the counselling group was significantly higher than that of the control group (adjusted mean difference: 21.7; 95% confidence interval: 18.6 to 24.9; P < 0.001).Conclusion: Counseling has a positive contribution to improving maternal-fetal attachment in women with unplanned pregnancies.

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)

Body experience and the mother–child relationship in pregnancy: a cross-sectional study of pregnant Portuguese women

ABSTRACTObjective: In spite of the huge physical transformations that occur during pregnancy, there is little research on the role of body experience in the establishment of the mother–child relationship in pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to address this gap.Method: A sample of 330 pregnant women completed questionnaires assessing mother–child relationship (the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale), body experience, and other demographic and pregnancy variables.Results: Pearson’s correlations revealed a number of variables were related to mother–child relationship in pregnancy, and t-tests and ANOVAs showed some between-subjects differences based on demographic variables. After controlling for these variables, regression analyses revealed that body experience was a significant predictor of both subscales of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale: emotional investment in the baby and maternal role-taking.Conclusion: These findings highlight the connection between body experience and the psychological tasks of pregnancy and draw attention to new ways of assessing and improving mother–child relationships as early as in pregnancy. Results are discussed in terms of their clinical implications.

The factors Related to Maternal-Fetal Attachment: Examining the Effect of Mindfulness, Stress and Symptoms during Pregnancy

Background: The development of a successful relationship between a mother and her developing fetus to foster maternal behavior attainment. Diverse factors such as psychophysiological elements influence the maternal-fetal relationship. Mindfulness, a psychological process, increasingly apples to the research of pregnant women’s wellbeing. However, most studies focus solely on physiological outcomes; few consider the maternal-fetal bonding. Purpose: This research aims to investigate whether factors of stress, symptoms during pregnancy and mindfulness systematically related to maternal-fetal attachment. Methods: Data were collected from 339 pregnant women, which were recruited from two hospitals in Taiwan, using the following questionnaires: the mindfulness scale, the symptom scale, the pregnancy stress scale during pregnancy, and the maternal fetal attachment scale. A path analysis approach was used to test the relationship. Results: Pregnancy stress is the most robust factor of maternal-fetal attachment. The mindfulness and stress during pregnancy both have significant direct effects on maternal-fetal attachment, ß = .46, and ß = 22, all p &lt; 0.00, respectively. The mindfulness has a significant inverse, direct effect (ß = -.13, p &lt; 0.05) on stress during pregnancy. But the variable of symptoms during pregnancy is no significant effect on maternal-fetal attachment. The model proposed in this study accounts for 22.5% (R2) variance in the relational model of maternal-fetal attachment. Conclusions: Given that the maternal mindfulness direct and indirect effect through stress variable on mother developing a closer connection with her babies, screenings of the relational elements should be incorporated into prenatal education programs.

Maternal-fetal emotional relationship during pregnancy, its related factors and outcomes in Iranian pregnant women: a panel study protocol

BackgroundConsidering the importance of attachment in child’s development and mother’s health, various related factors and also lack of necessary information in this regard in our country, the research team decides to conduct this study to evaluate maternal-fetal attachment during pregnancy, its changes and post-partum consequences on mother-infant relationship. This process should be studied during pregnancy and also after delivery so that the effect of related factors and the changes in attachment over time could be determined and comprehensible information about the effective underlying conditions on this issue would be gathered.MethodsThe present research is a longitudinal study (panel study). Data gathering would start at the first trimester, continue during second and third trimesters of pregnancy, first visit after delivery, second, fourth and end sixth months later. Pregnant women in the first trimester would be selected and contacted. If they have inclusion criteria, they would be selected as a participant. At first, their demographic-reproductive characteristics, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (SSTAI), The Social Support Appraisal (SSA), Adult Attachment Scale (AAS) and Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) would be completed; during the second trimester, BDI, SSTAI and Cranley’s Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (CMFAS) would be completed. In the third trimester, the same questionnaires would be completed.During the first month after birth, Avant’s questionnaire of Mother-Infant Attachment Behaviors would be completed. At the second, fourth and sixth months after delivery Muller’s Mother -Infant Attachment Scale would also be completed.DiscussionThe results of the study will be provided to maternal child health policy-makers in the health system. This information could not be obtained through cross-sectional studies and through one episode of data collection and more studies are needed to provide us a perspective of the mother-infant relation over time. Studying attachment during pregnancy would provide us a chance to learn more about this process.

PREGNANT WOMEN'S RECOLLECTIONS OF EARLY MATERNAL BONDING: ASSOCIATIONS WITH MATERNAL-FETAL ATTACHMENT AND BIRTH CHOICES.

Recollections of own maternal care measured by parental bonding were found to be important in the pregnant woman's construction of herself as a mother. Although these recollections were studied with regard to various variables, there is a dearth of studies associated with pregnancy and childbirth. In this cross-sectional study, 341 pregnant women were recruited. Measures included a Sociodemographics-Obstetric History Questionnaire; the Childbirth Choices Questionnaire (H. Preis, M. Gozlan, U. Dan, & Y. Benyamini, 2018); the Parental Bonding Instrument (G. Parker, H. Tupling, & L.B. Brown, 1979); a question regarding the planned presence of the woman's mother at delivery; and the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (M.S. Cranley, 1981). Parental recollections of Care were associated with fewer natural birth choices (hence, a more "medicalized" delivery), lower maternal-fetal attachment, and a wish for the mother's mother to be present at the birth. Parental recollections of Encouragement of Behavioral Freedom in childhood were associated with more natural choices regarding childbirth. In addition, women with higher scores on the parental bonding Denial of Autonomy factor reported stronger maternal-fetal attachment. Thus, early recollections of experiences with caregivers as manifested in parental bonding may be a possible influence on the transition to motherhood, and working through possible difficulties associated with these recollections may improve adjustment to motherhood.

Maternal-Fetal Attachment and its Sociodemographic Determinants in Women With Unplanned Pregnancy

Objectives: Attachment to the fetus is formed before the birth and stronger prenatal maternal-fetal attachment is related to more desirable prenatal and postpartum behaviors and cares as well as better acceptance of the parenting role. Therefore, this study aimed to determine maternal-fetal attachment and its socio-demographic determinants among women with an unplanned pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 200 women with unplanned pregnancies attending the maternity clinic of Alavi hospital (Ardebil, Iran) during 2016-2017. To collect the data, a socio-demographic questionnaire and the maternal-fetal attachment scale (MFAS) were completed through the interviews. Data were analyzed using independent t tests, one-way ANOVA, and the general linear model. Results: The mean (standard deviation) of maternal-fetal attachment score in women with an unplanned pregnancy was 79.2 (11.2) ranging from 23 to 115. The mean attachment score was significantly higher in women with a mistimed pregnancy [83.5 (9.0)] than in those with an unwanted pregnancy [72.9 (11.0)]. The highest and lowest mean scores were observed in the "interaction with the fetus" [14.2 (3.3)] and the "role-taking" [9.2 (3.0)] sub-domains, respectively. Based on the general linear model, only the type of unplanned pregnancy (mistimed or unwanted) indicated a significant relationship with maternal-fetal attachment (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Based on the results, the type of unplanned pregnancy had a significant association with maternal-fetal attachment. Moreover, mothers with unwanted pregnancies needed greater counseling and support compared to those with mistimed pregnancies.

The relationship between maternal–fetal attachment and maternal self-efficacy in Iranian women: a prospective study

Introduction: This prospective study was conducted to determine the relationship between maternal–fetal attachment and maternal self-efficacy. Maternal self-efficacy contributes significantly to the mental health of the mother and infant. Maternal–fetal attachment facilitates maternal role attainment and might improve maternal self-efficacy.Methods: This study was conducted on 242 women. The data collection tools used included a socio-demographic and obstetric questionnaire, Cranley’s Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Maternal Self-Efficacy Scale. A multivariate linear regression was used to estimate the extent to which maternal–fetal attachment affects maternal self-efficacy.Results: Pearson’s correlation test showed a moderate but significant positive correlation between maternal–fetal attachment and self-efficacy (r = 0.48, P < 0.001). The highest correlation with self-efficacy was observed in the domain of ‘differentiation of self from fetus’ (r = 0.43) and the lowest in the domain of ‘giving of self’ (r = 0.25). According to the multivariate linear regression, the domain of ‘Interaction with fetus’ had a significant relationship with maternal self-efficacy (P = 0.009).Conclusion: Maternal–fetal attachment would appear to be a factor related to postpartum maternal self-efficacy which suggests identifying and supporting women with low self-efficacy may increase maternal–fetal attachment and thereby maternal self-efficacy.

Reliability and validity of the German version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale.

In understanding early disturbances in the mother-child relationship, maternal-fetal attachment has become an important concept. To date no study has investigated the reliability and validity of the German version of the Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS). The present study aimed to close this gap. Questionnaires were completed in a sample of 324 women [third trimester (T1), first week postpartum (T2), and 4months postpartum (T3)]. In addition to the MFAS (T1), the following measures were assessed: the questionnaire of partnership (T1), the postpartum bonding questionnaire (T2), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (T1-T3), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (T1-T3), and the pregnancy related anxiety questionnaire (T1-T3). Factor structure was analyzed using a principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation. Internal and convergent validities were calculated. In contrast to the original version with five subscales, PCA yielded a three-factor solution, consisting of the three independent dimensions "anticipation", "empathy", and "caring", explaining 34.9% of the variance together. Good internal reliabilities were found for the total MFAS scale. Maternal-fetal attachment showed a significant negative correlation with postpartum bonding impairment. While no correlations were found with depression, general anxiety and pregnancy-related anxiety during pregnancy, maternal-fetal attachment was significantly related to aspects of partnership quality. In the postpartum period, maternal attachment showed a strong negative correlation with maternal anxiety. Our results suggest that the German version of the MFAS is a reliable and valid questionnaire to measure the emotional relationship of the mother to the unborn child during pregnancy.

Maternal attachment style during pregnancy and becoming a mother in Poland

Objective: This paper investigates the connections in pregnant women between their mother attachment style and their self-image as a mother, the image of their mother as a mother, and their bond with the unborn child.Background: The relationship with one’s mother plays a crucial role in the process of becoming a mother. It influences what a pregnant woman thinks about herself as a mother. This relationship is a predictor of the bond with the child during the pregnancy.Methods: This research was participated in by 165 pregnant women. They completed the following: a modified version of the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) questionnaire, investigating a mother’s attachment to her own mother; the Adjective Check List (ACL), developed by Gough and Heilbrun; the Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS); and a sociodemographic survey.Results: A mother’s attachment style is connected with the need for autonomy, as measured by the ACL, and with ′assuming a parental role′ in the MFAS questionnaire. The strongest connection was found between a mother’s attachment style and the image of one′s own mother as a mother. Statistically-significant correlations were found for 32 of 37 scales on the ACL.Conclusion: Attachment style exerts influence upon a mother’s self-image, the image of one′s own mother as a mother and the bond with the unborn child.

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

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

Effect of the BASNEF Model on Maternal-Fetal Attachment in the Pregnant Women Referring to the Prenatal Clinics Affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Background: Prenatal attachment and positive adaptation with the concept of motherhood play a pivotal role in maternal and fetal health. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, and enabling factors (BASNEF) model on maternal fetal attachment in the pregnant women referring to prenatal clinics. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 100 nulliparous women in their third pregnancy trimester (36-41 weeks), who referred to the selected prenatal clinics in Shiraz, Iran during 2011-2012. Intervention was performed based on the BASNEF model in six training sessions for 90 minutes. Data collection tools were the Cranley’s maternal-fetal attachment scale and BASNEF model. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 18 using Pearson’s correlation-coefficient, independent t-test, and Chi-square at the significance level of 0.05.Results: After the intervention, a significant difference was observed in the mean score of maternal-fetal attachment in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.001). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between the score of maternal-fetal attachment and enabling factors one month after the training in the intervention group (P=0.039). Conclusion: According to the results, training based on the BASNEF model could increase the maternal-fetal attachment in nulliparous pregnant women and improve the psychological health indicators of the neonates.

Előzetes eredmények egy magyar mintán kidolgozott Intrauterin Kapcsolati Kérdőív méréses tapasztalatairól – pilot study

Elméleti háttér Az 1980-as évektől kutatják az „anyai környezet” magzati fejlődésre gyakorolt hatását, ám az eredmények nem konzekvensek az anya–magzat kapcsolatot befolyásoló tényezőket illetően. Cél Magyar mintán kialakítani egy anya–magzat kapcsolatot mérő kérdőívet, valamint feltárni az intrauterin kötődésben meghatározó szerepet játszó jellegzetességeket. Módszerek 114, 15 és 38 gesztációs hét közötti várandós anya vett részt a kutatásban, kitöltve az Intrauterin Kapcsolati Kérdőívet, a Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale magyar változatát (MFAS-HU), az Intimitás és a Szülői Bánásmód Kérdőívet. Eredmények A kialakított 28 tételes Intrauterin Kapcsolati Kérdőív (IUKK) faktorstruktúrája illeszkedési mutatókban az elvárások alatt marad (RMSEA = 0,08; χ2/df = 1,645; NFI = 0,85; CFI = 0,87). A 8 alskála Cronbach-alfa értékei 0,56–0,93 közöttiek. Explorátoros faktorelemezéssel sikerült egy jó kommunalitási tulajdonságokkal rendelkező rövidebb modellt kialakítani (IUKK–R), amely 12 tételt és 3 alskálát tartalmaz (RMSEA = 0,08; χ2/df = 1,660; NFI = 0,95; CFI = 0,96). Az IUKK–R Cronbach-alfa értékei magasak: 0,81–0,93. Elemzéseinkhez az IUKK–R modellt használtuk. Kérdőívünk korrelál az MFAS–HU-val, ugyanakkor a megragadott magzati kötődés dimenzióik nem teljesen átfedőek. A nemzetközi tapasztalatokkal nagyjából összhangban, az anya–magzat kapcsolat erősségében szignifikánsan magasabb értéket ér el az anya, ha bármelyik tényező jellemzi: házasságban él; magasabb az anyagi hozzájárulása a családi kasszához; nem volt korábban spontán vetélése, ő maga beavatkozástól mentesen, természetes módon született; biztosan tudja, vagy nem tudja a magzat nemét. Nem befolyásol a várandósság ideje, az iskolai végzettség, a várandósság tervezettsége, a fogantatás módja, a meglévő gyermekek száma és a magzatmozgás észlelése. A magzati kötődés összefügg a párkapcsolati intimitással: az észlelt gondoskodás kedvezőbb, míg az észlelt kontroll kedvezőtlenebb anya–magzat kötődéssel jár együtt. Az anya saját szüleivel való kapcsolatának megélése, az anyai és apai szeretet, pozitívan korrelál a saját magzatához fűződő kapcsolattal. Következtetések A magyar mintára kidolgozott kérdőív megbízhatósága ígéretes, de szükségesek további validitásvizsgálatok, nagyobb, heterogén mintán. Tapasztalataink felhívják a figyelmet a szülői bánásmód és a párkapcsolati gondoskodás jelentőségére a várandósság időszakában és gyakorlati relevanciával bírnak a prevenciós munkában.

The relationship of maternal–fetal attachment and depression with social support in pregnant women referring to health centers of Tabriz–Iran, 2016

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of maternal–fetal attachment and depression during pregnancy with social support. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 287 primipara women. The data collection tools used included a demographic characteristics questionnaire, Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Social Support Scale. Pearson’s correlation test and general linear model were used for data analysis. Results: The mean maternal–fetal attachment score was 90.0 (SD: 10.3). The highest score was obtained in the “role taking” domain and the lowest in the “interaction with the fetus” domain. The mean depression score was 8.5 (SD: 4.0). The score of perceived social support was 135.5 (SD: 15.6). Pearson’s correlation test showed a significant positive correlation between social support and maternal–fetal attachment (r = 0.36, p < .001) and a significant negative correlation between social support and depression (r= −0.14, p = .018). Conclusion: The present study found a significant relationship between maternal–fetal attachment, depression and social support. It is recommended to devise plans for increasing the support given to women and to improve the society’s and families’ awareness about these issues in the attempt to have healthy mothers and thereby healthy families and communities.

The Effect of Education of Fetal Movement Counting on Maternal-Fetal Attachment in the Pregnant Women: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background Prenatal care is a good opportunity for evaluating and improving maternal-fetal attachment. In the present study the effect of early education of fetal movement counting in the second trimester on maternal-fetal attachment was evaluated. Materials and Methods 52 eligible pregnant women were selected through simple sampling and then randomly allocated into control (n=29), and intervention groups (n=23). First, demographic characteristics questionnaire and Cranely’s Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), were completed by pregnant women. Face to face training about counting and recording the daily fetal movement was provided in the intervention group and from the 24th to 28th weeks of pregnancy, daily counting of fetal movements were conducted. Then at the end of the 28th week of pregnancy, MFAS was again completed by both groups. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version16.0. Results The mean score of MFA scale in the intervention group was 86.63±11.62 and in the control group was 87.48±10.31 (total score of 120). No significant difference was observed between two groups. After the intervention, the mean score of MFA was increased to 96.30±10.81 in the intervention group and 88.64±10.31 in the control group. The difference was statistically significant between two groups (P<0.001). Only the mean score of MFA in the intervention group showed a significant change before and after the intervention (P< 0.001). Conclusion The present study showed that education of fetal movement counting would significantly increase maternal-fetal attachment. The training of this method is inexpensive and its performance is easy, and it could be recommended to mothers as a useful intervention.

Predictors of Antenatal Psychosocial Stress in Taiwanese Women.

Antenatal stress has been associated with adverse outcomes in mothers and their children. However, little research has been conducted to identify the factors associated with psychosocial stress in pregnant women. This study explored the predictors of psychosocial stress during pregnancy. A convenience sample of 136 second-trimester and 164 third-trimester pregnant women were recruited from a medical center in southern Taiwan. Data were collected using a demographic form, Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale (PSRS), Edinburgh Prenatal Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale, and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. The results of this study found positive correlations between PSRS and both Edinburgh Prenatal Depression Scale (r = .368, p < .01) and Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (r = .168, p < .01) and negative correlations between PSRS and both gravidity (r = -.137, p < .05) and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (r = -.266, p < .01). Higher pregnancy stress was predicted by depression, lower social support, maternal-fetal attachment, and primigravid status, which together explained 20% of the total variance. Depression, social support, maternal-fetal attachment, and gravidity are discrete predictive factors of psychosocial stress in pregnant women. These findings add to existing knowledge of the factors associated with prenatal stress. Future research should include depression in a support model of antenatal stress management.