Maternal-fetal Attachment Scores Research Articles

Factors Related to Maternal-fetal Attachment in Pregnant Mothers: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Aim:: The study investigated the relationship between Determining the Factors Related to Maternal-Fetal Attachment in Pregnant Mothers with Maternal-Fetal Attachment. Background:: Demographic policies in Iran emphasize population, fertility, and maternal health. Maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) is a term used to describe conditions that help the mother cope with the physiological changes during pregnancy. MFA contributes significantly to the future health of mother and child. Thus, it is essential to identify the nature of maternal-fetal attachment during pregnancy, when women need to prepare for and adapt to childbirth. The present study was conducted to determine the factors related to maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant mothers of Arak City. Objectives:: The study investigated the relationship between obstetric-demographic factors, emotional intelligence, marital satisfaction, and domestic violence with maternal-fetal attachment. Methods:: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 177 pregnant mothers with a gestational age of 37-40 who were referred to health centers in Arak, Iran, for pregnancy care in 2022. Five questionnaires, including an obstetric-demographic questionnaire, Cranley's Standard Mother-Fetal Attachment Scale, Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, ENRICH marital satisfaction scale, and HITS domestic violence questionnaire, were used to measure the factors related to maternal-fetal attachment. Data were analyzed using SPSS21 software and descriptive and analytical statistics, including frequency distribution, Pearson correlation, t-test, Chi-square, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Multiple Logistic Regression model. Results:: The mean of age women and age of husbands was 29.07± 5.88 years and 32.93± 5.28 years, respectively. The mean maternal-fetal attachment score was 88.12± 15.76. The mean of the emotional intelligence, the marital satisfaction and, the domestic violence was 4.71± 2.81, 121.88± 17.30, 37.86± 7.25, 6.54± 3.35, respectively. The interval between the current and the previous pregnancy had a range of 1-7 years and a mean of 4.71± 2.8 years. : There was a positive significant correlation between the maternal-fetal attachment score and the interval between the current and the previous pregnancy (r=0.22, p=0.02), : There was a positive significant correlation between the maternal-fetal attachment score and the emotional intelligence (r=0.31, p=0.001) the marital satisfaction (r=0.25, P=0.001). There was a negative significant correlation between the maternal-fetal attachment score and the domestic violence (r=-0.26, p=0.001 Conclusion:: Identifying attachment-related factors helps the health staff carry out the necessary training and preventive measures to increase maternal-fetal attachment, especially in high-risk parents who need more care.

Investigating the impact of haptotherapy on maternal-fetal attachment in unplanned pregnancies.

Mothers who experience unplanned pregnancies tend to show less maternal attachment to the fetus, which can lead to diminished self-care during pregnancy, and affect well-being of the fetus. Consequently, unintended pregnancies are associated with heightened maternal and fetal consequences due to mothers' negligence. Hippotherapy intervention has emerged as a viable approach to enhance maternal-fetal communication. The ultimate goal of this study was to broaden our current understanding of haptotherapy's impact on maternal-fetal attachment in unplanned pregnancies. This field trial research was conducted at comprehensive health centers in Isfahan using convenient sampling method. The study consisted of two groups of mothers, each consisting of 33 individuals with unplanned pregnancies between 20 to 24 weeks. The experimental group received haptotherapy intervention for 10 weeks, while the control group received standard pregnancy care. For data collection the participants were given demographic and fertility questionnaire prior to the study, and Cranley's maternal-fetal attachment questionnaire both before and after the study. Moreover, T-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test were used for data analysis. Prior to the intervention, there was no significant difference in the average maternal-fetal attachment scores between the experimental and control groups (P = 0.56). However, a significant increase became apparent after the intervention. The experimental group exhibited a significant improvement in the mean attachment scores compared to their pre-intervention levels (t=-9.20, P = 0<0.001). In contrast, the control group's score remained unchanged, with no significant difference observed (=1.69, P = 0.1). Haptotherapy has been found to enhance maternal-fetal attachment in mothers experiencing unplanned pregnancies. This valuable intervention is recommended as an innovative and secure approach in maternal health care services to help reduce the potential complications associated with such pregnancies.

The relationship between pregnancy and birth experience with maternal-fetal attachment and mother-child bonding: a descriptive-analytical study

BackgroundPregnancy and childbirth experience can be important factors for a pleasant relationship between mother and baby. This study assessed the relationship between the pregnancy and birth experience with maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) and mother-child bonding.MethodsA descriptive-analytical study was conducted among 228 pregnant women in Tabriz, Iran February 2022 to March 2023. Using cluster random sampling method, we included 228 women with gestational age 28–36 weeks and followed them up until six weeks postpartum. Data were collected in two stages using the following questionnaires: Pregnancy Experience Scale (hassles and uplifts), Maternal-Fetal Attachment Questionnaire (during the third trimester of pregnancy), Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, and Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (six weeks postpartum). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test and general linear model.ResultsThe mean score of MFA was significantly higher among women with feelings of being uplifted during pregnancy [β (95% CI) = 1.14 (0.87 to 1.41); p < 0.001]. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between pregnancy hassles and MFA and mother-child bonding (p > 0.05). Also, there was no statistically significant relationship between childbirth experience and mother-child bonding (p > 0.05).ConclusionAccording to the results of this study, pregnancy uplifts have a positive role in improving MFA. Therefore, it is recommended to plan interventions to make pregnancy period a pleasant experience for mothers.

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 &lt;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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Does family support mediate the effect of anxiety and depression on maternal-fetal attachment in high-risk pregnant women admitted to the maternal-fetal intensive care unit?

PurposeThis study investigated the mediating effect of family support in the relationships of anxiety and depression with maternal-fetal attachment among pregnant women admitted to the maternal-fetal intensive care unit (MFICU) in Korea.MethodsThe participants were high-risk pregnant women with a gestational age of at least 20 weeks who were admitted to MFICUs in Busan and Yangsan. The Korean versions of four measurement tools were used for the self-report questionnaire: Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Cobb’s family support measurement, and Cranley’s maternal-fetal attachment scale. Data were collected from June 22 to September 20, 2020. Out of 124 participants, data from 123 respondents were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were done.ResultsThe average age of participants was 34.1 years. Their anxiety level was moderate (43.57±11.65 points out of 80) and 53.6% were identified as having moderate depression (average 10.13±5.48 points out of 30). Family support was somewhat high (average 43.30±5.03 points out of 55). The average score of maternal-fetal attachment was also somewhat high (73.37±12.14 points out of 96). Family support had a partial mediating effect in the relationships of anxiety and depression with maternal-fetal attachment among high-risk pregnant women admitted to the MFICU.ConclusionMaintaining family support is challenging due to the nature of the MFICU. Considering the mediating effect of family support, establishing an intervention plan to strengthen family support can be helpful as a way to improve maternal-fetal attachment for high-risk pregnant women admitted to the MFICU.

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.

The association of maternal-fetal attachment with smoking and smoking cessation during pregnancy in The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study

BackgroundSmoking in pregnancy constitutes a preventable risk factor for fetal/child development and maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) seems to contain a momentum that can break the chain of adverse outcomes by promoting maternal prenatal health practices. This study aimed to explore the association of MFA with smoking at any time during pregnancy and smoking cessation in early pregnancy, and the modifying role of MFA on the expected effects of education and prenatal psychological distress (PPD) on prenatal smoking behavior.MethodsThe pregnant women (n = 3766) participated in the The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study in Finland between December 2011 and April 2015. The binary outcomes, smoking at any time during pregnancy and smoking cessation in early pregnancy, were obtained from self-reports at gestational weeks (gwks) 14 and 34 and The Finnish Medical Birth Register. MFA was assessed with the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS) at gwks 24 and 34. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between MFA and maternal prenatal smoking behavior.FindingsThe prevalence of smoking was 16.5%, and 58.1% of the smokers quit smoking during pregnancy. The independent associations of total MFA scores with prenatal smoking behavior were not established (aOR = 1.00-1.02, multiplicity adjusted p > 0.05). A higher score in the altruistic subscale of MFA, Giving of self, associated with a higher probability of smoking cessation (24 gwks: aOR = 1.13, 95% CI [1.04, 1.24], p = 0.007, multiplicity adjusted p = 0.062; 34 gwks: aOR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.07, 1.29], p < 0.001, multiplicity adjusted p = 0.008). The modifying effect of MFA on the observed associations between PPD and smoking in pregnancy and between maternal education and smoking in pregnancy / smoking cessation in early pregnancy was not demonstrated.ConclusionsThe altruistic dimension of maternal-fetal attachment associates with an increased probability of smoking cessation during pregnancy and therefore strengthening altruistic maternal-fetal attachment may constitute a promising novel approach for interventions aiming at promoting smoking cessation during pregnancy.

The Relation between Pregnant Women's Self-Efficacy and Their Maternal-Fetal Attachment

Context: Several prenatal and postnatal factors may influence Maternal-Fetal-Attachment (MFA). Few local types of research addressed the relation between MFA and maternal self-efficacy.&#x0D; Aim: To assess the relation between pregnant women's self-efficacy and their MFA.&#x0D; Methods: The study was carried out at the Specialized Maternity Hospital in Port-Said, Egypt, using a cross-sectional analytic study design on a sample of 240 pregnant women attending the setting for follow-up singleton normal pregnancy. The data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire with two standard scales, namely the Maternal Self-Efficacy Scale and Maternal-Fetal Attachment (MFA) Scale. The fieldwork lasted from December 2019 to April 2020.&#x0D; Results: Women ages ranged between 17 and 42 years, and 50% were primigravida. The self-efficacy scores had a wide range (1.3-5.0), with a median of 2.90 from a maximum of 5.00. The median MFA score was 3.59 from a maximum of 5.00. A significant positive correlation was found between self-efficacy and MFA scores (r=0.197). In multivariate analysis, the duration of marriage and income were significant positive predictors of self-efficacy score, while age and previous abortions were significant negative predictors. As an MFA score, the level of education, husband age, planned pregnancy, and self-efficacy score was its positive predictors.&#x0D; Conclusion: Pregnant women’s self-efficacy has a positive influence on their prenatal MFA. Therefore, increasing pregnant women’s self-efficacy through training and support is highly recommended during antenatal care (ANC) visits.

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

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

FAKTOR YANG BERPENGARUH TERHADAP MATERNAL - FETAL ATTACHMENT

Background: Pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum is a transition period for a woman and is a complex life event that affects the biological, psychological, and social life experienced by the mother. Therefore the need to cultivate an inner bond between mother and baby or known as maternal fetal attachment (MFA).&#x0D; Objective: Aim of this study was to find factors that influence MFA in pregnant women.&#x0D; Methods: cross sectional study. The study was conducted at PKU Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. Population is pregnant women routine ANC visits at the obstetric clinic. 100 respondents determined by the method of consecutive sampling. Inclusion criteria of pregnant women with a gestational age of 20-38 weeks, do not have high risk of pregnancy, no complications in pregnancy, and willing to become respondents. Exclusion criteria mothers who were not willing to become respondents. Data collection used a questionnaire consisting of basic data questionnaires for pregnant women, Socio demographic data, reproductive history, Pregnancy, PAI questionnaire , SSQ questionnaire.&#x0D; Results: The planned pregnancy had an effect on the MFA with indigo p &lt;0.05 OR 6, 44 which means that the planned pregnancy had an effect of 6.44 times on the MFA score. while age, education, parity, occupation has no effect on the MFA score&#x0D; Conclusion: Planed pregnacy had an effect on MFA score in PKU Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta

The Effect of a Supportive-Educational Intervention on Maternal-Fetal Attachment of Pregnant Women Facing Domestic Violence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundOne of the consequences of violence during pregnancy is impaired mother-fetus attachment.ObjectivesThe present study aimed at determining the effect of supportive-educational intervention on maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women facing domestic violence.MethodsThe current study was conducted on 100 pregnant women subjected to domestic violence by their husbands. The subjects were selected using convenience sampling method and were randomized to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received four sessions of individual supportive-educational intervention, while the control group were provided with routine care during the same period. Data were collected using the Cranley maternal- fetal attachment scale in the two groups and analyzed by statistical tests eight weeks after the intervention.ResultsAfter the intervention, the mean maternal-fetal attachment score was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (80.36 ± 6.75 vs. 65.50 ± 6.78; P = 0.0001).ConclusionsThe study results showed that supportive-educational intervention was effective in promoting maternal-fetal attachment. Therefore, it was recommended that such interventions be integrated in the prenatal care programs of pregnant women facing domestic violence.

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)

Effect of a mindfulness-based pilot intervention on maternal-fetal bonding.

This pilot study explored the effects of a two-week mindfulness-based intervention designed to enhance maternal-fetal bonding among pregnant women. Participants who listened to their baby’s heartbeat every day for two weeks and received four texts per week with mindfulness-based activities to do from home reported a significant increase in reported maternal-fetal attachment scores across the study period. Enhancing maternal-fetal bonding through this low-cost intervention has the potential for reducing adverse birth outcomes.

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