Maternal-fetal Attachment Research Articles

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.

The effect of maternal-fetal attachment education on pregnant women’s mental health

Physiological and psychological changes in pregnancy have a considerable effect on mother’s wellbeing. Hence, in this period pregnant women are vulnerable to develop mental health difficulties due to hormonal alterations and other external factors. Mental health problems during pregnancy may impact to child’s growth and psychological development. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) education on the scores of mental health disorders among pregnant women. This study was quasy-experimental. The sample were 55 pregnant women (28=control group, 27=experimental group) who registered in Community Health Centers. Participants were selected by consecutive sampling technique. Data collection tools were EPDS, SRQ, SSQ-6, and demographic questionnaire. These questionnaires were filled out by both groups as pre-test and two weeks later. The data were analyzed by paired and independent t-test in SPSS/20 with significant levels p0,05). This study indicated that maternal-fetal attachment education might contribute in improving pregnant women’s mental health. The future study should be tested in larger sample sizes with more than two weeks follow up to confirm these results.

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

Variance of Maternal-Fetal Attachment in Pregnant Women Based on Personality Traits

BackgroundMaternal-fetal attachment (MFA) is the first relationship between a mother and her child, which generally begins during pregnancy. The maternal psychological state affects fetal growth and health. MFA is associated with the mental and psychological condition in pregnant women.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was the estimation of the variance of MFA, according to the personality traits in pregnancy.MethodsUsing a descriptive correlational study design, we studied pregnant women who were more than 24 weeks pregnant and were referring to the obstetric ward of the Kowsar Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, during May to June 2015. The sample size was estimated to be 200 women by Morgan’s table. A total of 29 participants were removed due to incomplete questionnaires, and 171 participants were selected. Data collection tools included demographic obstetric questionnaires, including obstetric information and demographic data, Cranly’s MFA scale, and NEO personality scale. Data were analyzed by the Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression, by using SPSS version 16.ResultsFindings from data analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between components of NEO personality with maternal-fetal attachment. Extroversion index (P < 0.001, R = -0.51) had the most significant relationship with MFA. Almost 33% of the variance in maternal-fetal attachment was predicted by personality trait. The extraversion (β = 0.48, P < 0.001) is the highest level of prediction. Neuroticism (β = 0.175), openness to experience (β = 0.131) and conscientiousness (β = 0.237), predicted the maternal-fetal attachment positively. Agreeableness (β = -0.026) was not predicted in the maternal-fetal attachment. In demographic variables, they were not predicted of MFA. There was a significant correlation between parity and maternal-fetal attachment (R = 0.190, P = 0.013).ConclusionsPersonality traits (except agreeableness) predict MFA for pregnant women. In addition, the psychological health of the mother and baby can be improved by identifying mothers based on personality traits, and therefore, by promoting behavioral attachment, health care providers should identify mothers who need additional psychological support during their pregnancy.

Effect of attachment-based interventions on prenatal attachment: a protocol for systematic review

BackgroundParental attachment was defined as: series of inner behaviors that would cause the infant to develop an intimate relation with his/her parents. This emotional relationship is formed long before birth during the pregnancy and has been associated with psychosocial outcomes for women and children. This relationship is known as one of the major components of the child’s social and emotional development. Parents’ relationship with their fetus could be strengthened using various strategies, but efforts to augment the maternal-fetal relationship have not always been successful. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and a meta-analysis survey of the effects of attachment-based interventions on prenatal attachment.MethodsA comprehensive search of relevant randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials will be performed in EMBASE (via Scopus), ProQuest, Pubmed, Scopus, Ovid and Web of Science, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, SID, MagIran, Irandoc, Barakat Knowledge Network System and Iranian registry of clinical trials website as Iranian databases using English and Persian keywords such as prenatal attachment, relationship, maternal attachment. Only randomized controlled clinical trials conducted between 2000 and 2016 will be included in this review. The study will be selected if their participants were expectant mothers, their partners or both. Our primary outcome will be the effect size of intervention. The quality of experimental studies will be evaluated using CONSORT checklist and Study Quality Guide by Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review Group.Two authors will independently assess the eligibility of the studies. Any disagreements will be resolved through a third reviewer. The risk of bias will be independently determined using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The quality of the papers will be assessed based on the CONSORT checklist. If possible quantitative data will be pooled in statistical meta-analyzing with random effect model.DiscussionIn this review the current state of knowledge on prenatal attachment is examined. Effectiveness of attachment-based interventions during pregnancy is analyzed. Finally, practice and research implications based on analysis of the current status of maternal-fetal attachment are identified. The expected findings will help healthcare providers to develop pregnant women and infants’ health when offering prenatal care.

Depression, anxiety, and attachment among women hospitalized on an antepartum unit.

Objective To examine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, attachment issues, and associated factors among pregnant women hospitalized on an antepartum unit. Method Ninety-eight women hospitalized on an antepartum unit reported demographic and social information and were evaluated with screening tools for depression, anxiety, and maternal–fetal attachment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistical regression analysis. Results Over one third (36%) of participants screened at risk for depression. Almost half (47%) reported elevated state anxiety and over one third (37%) reported elevated trait anxiety. Depression and anxiety were frequently comorbid. Positive screens for depression and anxiety were associated with decreased maternal-fetal attachment. Those who screened at risk for depression and anxiety in this sample often had a personal or family history of depression or anxiety or a history of intimate partner victimization. Substance use was common among those with elevated anxiety. Only a minority (15%) of at-risk participants had been referred to mental health treatment. Conclusions Women hospitalized on antepartum units had an elevated risk of depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety were strongly comorbid in this population. Screening efforts to increase detection of perinatal depression and anxiety are recommended on obstetrical antepartum units.

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.

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

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

An examination of the impact of maternal fetal attachment, postpartum depressive symptoms and parenting stress on maternal sensitivity

The current study aimed to examine the impact of maternal depression, maternal fetal attachment (MFA) and parenting stress on maternal sensitivity, intrusiveness and positive regard for the child with a sample of 36 low-income, mothers-infant dyads that were followed from pregnancy through the first year postpartum. Maternal depression and parenting stress were expected to have a negative impact on maternal sensitivity, intrusiveness and positive regard, while high MFA was hypothesized to have a positive impact on these three outcomes. Our data provide partial support for our hypotheses. Findings from this study add to the literature by examining the stability of the maternal prenatal and postpartum bond with her infant as well as by looking at the impact of parenting stress on maternal behaviors and processes that may lead to later attachment security differences, such as maternal sensitivity and responsiveness.

Impact of Anxiety, Social Support, and Taegyo Practice on Maternal-Fetal Attachment in Pregnant Women Having an Abortion.

The purpose of the study was to identify effects of anxiety, social support, and Taegyo practice toward maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women having an abortion. METHOD: Participants included 99 pregnant women having an abortion, who participated in this study. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression with the SPSS WIN 23.0 program. Maternal-fetal attachment was significantly negatively correlated with anxiety, and significantly positively correlated with social support and Taegyo practice. Spousal support and Taegyo practice, explained 43.8% of participants' maternal-fetal attachment. Results indicate that less anxiety and more social support, and Taegyo practice in pregnant women having an abortion, were associated with stronger maternal-fetal attachment. To strengthen the maternal-fetal attachment of pregnant women having an abortion experience, it would be necessary to develop and implement the Taegyo program, focusing on practicing Taegyo-related encouragement. Additionally, it is recommended that nursing intervention is provided, to encourage families to participate in the Taegyo practice together throughout the gestational period, and to maintain a positive relationship among partners.

Maternal-Fetal Attachment in Adolescents in Thailand

Maternal-Fetal Attachment in Adolescents in Thailand

Care prior to and during subsequent pregnancies following stillbirth for improving outcomes.

Care prior to and during subsequent pregnancies following stillbirth for improving outcomes.

Factors Affecting Maternal Fetal Attachment among Low and High Risk Pregnant Women

Abstract Background: Maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) plays an important role in the maternal and fetal well-being. Despite the presence of consistent evidence about individual differences in the level of MFA, there is still a need to identify the most salient risk factors of MFA level especially among high risk pregnancy who are vulnerable to increase level of anxiety that can hinder an adequate mother–fetus attachment. Aim. This study aimed to compare maternal fetal attachment in low and high risk pregnancies and to identify the underlying factors which may affect maternal-fetal attachment among high risk pregnancy. Methodology. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used and conducted at the outpatient antenatal clinic at National Medical Institution, Damanhur City, Egypt for a convenient sample of 203 eligible pregnant women, the researchers used five tools to collect the necessary data; pregnant women basic data, Turkish version of the MFA Scale, Hobel's Prenatal Risk Score, Maternal Anxiety Scale & London questionnaire tool. Results. The findings of the present study portrayed a significant higher MFA among low risk mothers and a significant higher level of maternal anxiety was apparent among high risk. No significant differences was observed regarding MFA and pregnancy planning among both groups. Some personal and Obstetric variables affect the MFA level among high risk pregnant women. Conclusion. High risk pregnancy has lower level of MFA and higher level of anxiety with a remarkable obstetric predictors affecting their level of MFA. Recommendations: More attention should be given for high risk pregnant mothers through development and application of psychosocial nursing interventions program to decrease their anxiety level and improve maternal-fetal attachment.

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.

Faktor Risiko yang Berhubungan dengan Skor Maternal-Fetal Attachment pada Ibu Hamil

Maternal-Fetal Attachment (MFA) is a bond between mother and fetus during pregnancy. MFA plays an important role in maternal and fetal health and affects mothers' decisions in healthy behaviors during pregnancy. Several factors predicted to affect the MFA is the age of pregnancy, maternal age, gravida, pregnancy status, marital status, occupation, income and education of the mother. This study aims to determine the factors associated with maternal-fetal attachment scores in pregnant women in the Panarung Puskesmas Palangka Raya. This was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design. A sample in this research is a pregnant woman who does a pregnancy examination at Puskesmas Panarung Kota Palangka Raya. The instrument used in this research is the Indonesian version of prenatal attachment inventory (IPAI). Data analysis was done by logistic regression. The results of statistical tests showed a significant relationship between gestational age with MFA score (p&lt;0.05). Mothers with a gestational age &gt;28 weeks had a better MFA score because the mother already felt the presence of her fetus.

Effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercise on psychological parameters in gestational diabetes: A randomised controlled trial

IntroductionGestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects approximately 12% of women all over the world and its control is important. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises are one of the approaches being used for pregnant women with gestational diabetes to help prenatal attachment and reduce depression, anxiety and stress. MethodsThis randomised controlled trial of women with gestational diabetes randomly allocated 60 women into either an intervention group or a control group. Over a period of 30 days, the intervention group was asked to practice diaphragmatic breathing exercises for 5 min, once a day. Individuals in the control group were invited to talk about their pregnancy twice during the same time period. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a pregnancy identification form. Outcome measures included the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), and Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI). ResultsThe mean age of in the intervention and control groups was 30.6 ± 3.3 and 31.3 ± 3.1, respectively, while the mean gestational age was 27.2 ± 0.8 and 27.2 ± 1.0, respectively. The increase in PAI value on day 30 compared to day 1 was more significant in the intervention group than in the control group (p = .000). The rate of decrease in the total DASS score on day 30 compared to day 1 was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p = .000). ConclusionThe results of the study indicate that diaphragmatic breathing exercises appear to provide positive effects on psychological state and may increase levels of maternal-foetal attachment.

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.

Prevalence of unplanned pregnancy and factors related to maternal-fetal attachment in Zanjan, 2017

Prevalence of unplanned pregnancy and factors related to maternal-fetal attachment in Zanjan, 2017

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

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

The Health-e Babies App for antenatal education: Feasibility for socially disadvantaged women.

BackgroundThe use of mobile technology such as phone applications (apps) has been proposed as an efficient means of providing health and clinical information in a variety of healthcare settings. We developed the Health-e Babies app as an Android smart phone application for pregnant women attending a tertiary hospital in a low socio-economic community, with the objective of providing health information about early pregnancy that would increase maternal confidence and reduce anxiety. Based on our earlier research, this form of health communication was viewed as a preferred source of information for women of reproductive age. However, the pilot study had a poor participation rate with 76% (n = 94) not completing the study requirements. These initial findings raised some very important issues in relation to the difficulties of engaging women with a pregnancy app. This paper analyses the characteristics of the participants who did not complete the study requirements in an attempt to identify potential barriers associated with the implementation of a pregnancy app.MethodsThis retrospective review of quantitative and qualitative data collected at the commencement of the Health-e Babies App trial, related to the participant’s communication technology use, confidence in knowing where to seek help and mental health status, maternal-fetal attachment and parenting confidence. Engagement and use of the Health-e Babies App was measured by the completion of a questionnaire about the app and downloaded data from participant’s phones. Mental health status, confidence and self-efficacy were measured by questionnaires.ResultsAll women were similar in terms of age, race, marital status and level of education. Of the 94 women (76%) who did not complete the trial, they were significantly more anxious as indicated by State Trait Anxiety Inventory (p = 0.001 Student T-test) and more likely to be unemployed (50% vs 31%, p = 0.012 Student T-Test).ConclusionThis study provides important information about the challenges associated with the implementation of a pregnancy app in a socially disadvantaged community. The data suggests that factors including social and mental health issues, financial constraints and technological ability can affect women’s engagement with a mobile phone app.