Paternal-fetal Attachment Research Articles

Factors influencing happiness and depression in high-risk pregnant women: a cross-sectional study using the ecological systems approach.

The increasing number of high-risk pregnancies has led to a greater emphasis on psychological well-being in nursing care. However, reducing depression does not automatically equate to increasing happiness. This study aimed to systematically examine the factors influencing happiness and depression among high-risk pregnant women in South Korea. This correlational, cross-sectional study was based on the ecological systems theory. In total, 152 high-risk pregnant women completed a self-report survey questionnaire available online or offline. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. The first model (individual system) identified pregnancy stress and mindfulness as significant factors influencing both happiness and depression. The second model (microsystem) identified medical status at the time of the survey, maternal-fetal interaction, marital intimacy, and social support as additional significant factors influencing either happiness or depression. In the third model (mesosystem), maternal-fetal interaction and paternal-fetal attachment were no longer identified as significant factors. Although the fourth model (exosystem) did not identify community service as a significant factor, individual (pregnancy stress, mindfulness) and microsystem (marital intimacy) factors were found to influence happiness and depression. Medical status at the time of survey and social support were additional factors that influenced happiness, but not depression. These factors explained 51.2% and 55.5% of the variance in happiness and depression, respectively, among high-risk pregnant women. Different factors at the individual and microsystem levels affected happiness and depression among high-risk pregnant women. Hence, efforts to reduce depression among these women should be accompanied by efforts to actively promote happiness.

Effects of 3D-Printed Models and 3D Printed Pictures on Maternal– and Paternal–Fetal Attachment, Anxiety, and Depression

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of a 3D-printed model versus 3D printed pictures on maternal– and paternal–fetal attachment, pregnancy-related anxiety, and depression in parents in the third trimester. DesignRandomized controlled trial. SettingUniversity- and clinic-affiliated hospital system. ParticipantsBetween August 2020 and July 2021, we screened 419 women for eligibility. A total of 184 participants (n = 95 women and n = 89 men) were included in the intention-to-treat analysis, of whom 47 women and 44 men received the 3D-printed model, whereas 48 women and 45 men received the 3D printed picture. MethodsParticipants completed a set of questionnaires before they received third trimester 3D ultrasonography and a second set of questionnaires approximately 14 days after the study ultrasonography. The primary outcome was the global Maternal and Paternal Antenatal Attachment scale scores. Secondary outcomes included the Maternal and Paternal Antenatal Attachment subscale scores, global Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7 scores, global Patient Health Questionnaire–9 scores, and global Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire–Revised (second version) scores. We used multilevel models to estimate the effect of the intervention. ResultsWe found a statistically significant increase in mean attachment scores after the 3D printed picture and 3D-printed model intervention of 0.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.22, 0.31], p < .001. Additionally, we found statistically significant improvement in depression (mean change = –1.08, 95% CI [–1.54, –0.62], p < .001), generalized anxiety (mean change = –1.38, 95% CI [–1.87, –0.89], p < .001), and pregnancy-related anxiety (mean change = –2.92, 95% CI [–4.11, –1.72], p < .001) scores. We found no statistically significant between-group differences related to maternal or paternal attachment, anxiety, depression, or pregnancy-related anxiety. ConclusionsOur findings support the use of 3D printed pictures and 3D-printed models to improve prenatal attachment, anxiety, depression, and pregnancy-related anxiety.

Paternal-fetal attachment from the maternal perspective

The study of Paternal-fetal attachment is a recent research area, which has become relevant due to its correlation with the postnatal paternal bond and its impact on the cognitive and socio-emotional de velopment of the child. to characterize Paternal-fetal attachment, based on maternal pers pective, in puerperal women treated in a public hospital in the Metropolitan Region. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out. Hospitalized puerperal women were interviewed by applying a questionnaire with sociodemographic variables of both parents. In addi tion, the Paternal-fetal attachment Scale from the maternal perspective was applied, previously adap ted and validated. A descriptive and association analysis was performed to determine the behavior of the link indicator with respect to the sociodemographic variables. The mean Paternal-fetal attachment score from the maternal perspective was 41.5 (range 10-50), which is significantly higher in cases where parents live together, the couple's relationship is longer than two years, and in plan ned and controlled pregnancies before twelve weeks. There were no differences in the Paternal-fetal attachment score from the maternal perspective in relation to the number of children, nationality, or educational level. The Paternal-fetal attachment is mainly determined by characteristics of the parental relationship and not by the individual characteristics of the parents, therefore, the attachment must be seen from the triad.

3D printed models in pregnancy and its utility in improving psychological constructs: a case series

Background3D printing is being utilized in almost every aspect of medicine. 3D printing has especially been used in conjunction with 3D ultrasonography to assist in antenatal assessment and presurgical planning with fetal malformations. As printing capabilities improve and applications are explored there may be more advantages for all parents to visualize and touch 3D printed models of their fetus.Case presentationWe present three cases involving 3D printed models and four different but interrelated psychological constructs- antenatal depression, antenatal anxiety, maternal-fetal attachment, and paternal-fetal attachment. Each case shows for the first time possible beneficial effects within these prevalent and significant problems.ConclusionsThe degree to which the anxiety, depression, and attachment scores improved after the presentation of the 3D printed models is encouraging. Randomized controlled trials utilizing 3D printed models to improve psychological constructs should be supported considering the findings within these four cases.

Fathers' experiences of fetal attachment: A qualitative study.

Paternal-fetal attachment (PFA) is associated with the degree of emotional support offered by fathers during pregnancy and has implications for the safety and quality of a mother's labor and postnatal experiences. This study explored fathers' experiences of PFA including their understanding of the phenomenon and its manifestation. Data were collected through interviews with 10 fathers-to-be and analysis followed an interpretative phenomenological approach. Four themes emerged from the data: trigger moment; awareness of responsibility; transition to fatherhood; and emotional conflict. Most fathers experienced a trigger moment that made the reality of having a baby clear to them and which initiated or intensified feelings of attachment toward the fetus. Male family relatives, friends with children, and antenatal education groups provided support to expectant fathers. However, they felt quite lost in their role and some believed there was insufficient support for their mental health. Findings suggest that different situations can trigger the attachment process and that fathers longed to be included in perinatal care but experienced a lack of support. Raising awareness of the importance of PFA can help initiate the process in fathers and better equip them to contribute during the antenatal period and to future child development.

Factors Affecting Intrauterine Paternal-Foetal Attachment and the Responsibility Status of Fathers Concerning Mothers and Babies

ABSTRACT Aim This study aims to determine the sociodemographic and paternal factors affecting intrauterine paternal-fetal attachment Methods The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with fathers whose partners were over the 24th week of their pregnancies (n=174). The fathers were applied a form regarding responsibility-taking for mother and baby and the Intrauterine Father Attachment Scale. Results Fathers who are young, university graduates, have spouse working, planned the pregnancy, have no other children, and state that they had a good relationship with their father, were found to have significantly higher levels of attachment to the intrauterine fetus. Fathers who are attended the prenatal classes with their spouse, state that their spouse is supportive towards them, want to accompany their spouse during childbirth, and state that the baby is both the mother and the father’s responsibility after birth, were found to have significantly higher levels of attachment to the intrauterine fetus. Also, it was found that fathers who responsibility-taking for both mother and baby have a high level of attachment to the fetus (P <0.05). Conclusion Considering that planned pregnancy and fathers’ participation in antenatal care increases the level of attachment, health professionals have a great responsibility in terms of planning pregnancies and encouraging fathers to participate in antenatal care.

Paternal Response to Ultrasound Predicts Increased Paternal-Fetal Attachment

Utilizing data from a longitudinal online survey of couples expecting their first child, this study sought to examine the trajectory of paternal-fetal attachment across the three trimesters of pregnancy. Expectant fathers (N=124) who completed at least the first two assessments were included in the analysis. Attachment was assessed using the Paternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, and paternal response to the ultrasound was measured with a four-item scale developed for this study. Longitudinal multilevel regression was used to model change in paternal-fetal attachment across assessments. Paternal-fetal attachment increased among all fathers, including those who showed less response to ultrasound and those who reported the pregnancy as mistimed or undesired. However desired pregnancy and stronger paternal response to ultrasound were associated with a larger increase in paternal-fetal attachment. The findings of the study have implications for the support of paternal-fetal attachment in health care and other settings.

Factors Affecting Paternal Fetal Attachment

AIMThere are very few studies examining how the prenatal attachment of the father to the fetus affects father–infant attachment, while there are numerous studies on maternal–fetal, maternal–infant attachment. The pregnancy period is a potential opportunity to increase the paternal attachment of fathers whose wives are expecting a baby. The aim of this study was to determine paternal–fetal attachment and the factors with an effect.METHODSThe sample group of this descriptive (comparative) study consisted of expectant fathers accompanied by their wives at 24–36 weeks of pregnancy (n = 182). Ethics committee approval and the necessary permissions were obtained from the relevant institution. The data were collected by the researchers using the Question Form and Paternal Fetal Attachment Scale. The data collected were analyzed using percentage distribution, the Independent samples t test and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.RESULTSThe results of the study showed that the participants who experienced fatherhood for the first time and felt ready to be a father had higher paternal attachment scores than experienced fathers.CONCLUSIONFor the establishment of healthy attachment starting in the prenatal period and continuing thereafter, there are important tasks for healthcare professionals to ensure that fathers can cope with the new roles and responsibilities just as well as the mothers.

Effect of Attachment Training on Paternal-fetal Attachment

Background & aim: Paternal-fetal attachment develops an emotional relationship between father and his infant which can affect their future interactions. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of attachment training on paternal-fetal attachment. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted in Karmandan and 22 Bahman health centers in Mashhad in 2015. The participants of the study consisted of 60 randomly-selected fathers whose wives `gestational age was 28 to 32 weeks. The intervention group received three 120-min sessions of attachment training once a week in the forms of group discussion, lectures, question and answer, film screenings, and educational booklet. Data collection was performed by means of two questionnaires, named personal and fertility characteristics questionnaire and Weaver Cranley paternal-fetalattachment questionnaire. Two groups were assessed before, immediately after, and 3 weeks after intervention (follow-up) by paternal-fetal attachment questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS (version 22) using the Chi-square, independent t-test, Fisher, Mann-Whitney U test, and repeated measure tests. P Results: The results of repeated measures showed that mean scores of paternal-fetal attachment was not significantly different between the control and intervention groups before training (P=0.527) However, paternal-fetal attachment significantly increased at post-test (P=0.069) and follow-up (P=0.006) in the experimental group. Conclusion: Attachment training increases paternal-fetal attachment; therefore, pregnancy care programs should include training sessions for fathers.

A Paternal-fetal Attachment Pilot Intervention on Mental Health for Pregnant Mothers

Pregnancy and post-pregnancy periods are associated with very important psychological and physiological changes, sometimes associated with pathological changes. Spouses' participation is one of the effective factors in promoting the mental health of pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of paternal-fetal attachment pilot intervention on perceived mental health and perceived attachment to fetus. We implemented a paternal-fetal attachment pilot intervention designed to promote the mental health of pregnant women. We used an experimental pretest/posttest study design to evaluate the impact of paternal-fetal attachment that resulted in a hospital-affiliated prenatal centre, before and after pilot implementation. As hypothesised, perceived mental health and perceived attachment to fetus increased in the intervention group, but not in the control group. The pilot intervention that we set up in this study was effective for promoting mental health in pregnant mothers.

Development of the Korean Paternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (K-PAFAS)

This study is a methodological study aimed to develop the Korean Paternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (K-PAFAS) to measure the level of attachment between the father and the expected baby, and to examine its validity and reliability. The K-PAFAS was developed in four steps. The first step involved derivation of the initial items through review of the literature and in-depth interviews with 10 expectant fathers. The second step was the process of expert panel review, examining content validity for the initial items. In the third step, items were examined for their usability through a preliminary survey with 30 expectant fathers. As the last step, the final K-PAFAS was applied to 200 participants and examined for its psychometric profile. K-PAFAS consisted of 20 items, and used a 5-point Likert scale with the total score ranging from 20 points to 100 points. A higher score indicated a higher level of attachment between the father and his unborn child. The K-PAFAS was composed of four factors. The K-PAFAS demonstrated satisfactory criterion validity, which was supported by its significant correlations with the Paternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, the Korean Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale. The Cronbach α of the K-PAFAS was .89. In test-retest reliability, the K-PAFAS showed a correlation coefficient of .91. The K-PAFAS demonstrated initial validity and reliability. It was short, and relatively easy for use in evaluating the degree of paternal-fetal attachment in the antenatal management stage.

A study of the efficacy of fathers’ attachment training on paternal-fetal attachment and parental anxiety

A study of the efficacy of fathers’ attachment training on paternal-fetal attachment and parental anxiety

Comparison of maternal–and paternal–fetal attachment in Turkish couples

Objective to compare maternal–fetal attachment (MFA) and paternal–fetal attachment (PFA) in terms of selected variables. Design cross-sectional study. Setting three training hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. The study was performed between December 2005 and March 2006. Participants a total of 144 pregnant women and 144 partners participated in the study; the response rate was 98%. Findings there was a statistically significant difference between MFA and PFA scores ( p<0.001). A comparison of MFA and PFA scores according to the selected variables (education, employment status, planning of pregnancy, pregnancy risk status) revealed that the MFA scores for pregnant women were significantly higher than the PFA scores of their partners, except for unemployed partners. The MFA ( ρ=−0.24, p<0.004) and PFA ( ρ=−0.32, p<0.001) scores decreased with increasing age of both pregnant women and their partners. Key conclusions and implications for practice although partners have lower fetal attachment scores than pregnant women, it is important to recognise factors influencing the attachment of the mother and father towards their fetus. Prenatal midwives and nurses are in a unique position to assess attachment and to intervene to promote attachment behaviours.

Effects of aTaegyoProgram on Parent-Fetal Attachment and Parenthood in First Pregnancy Couples

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a Taegyo program on parents-fetal attachment and parenthood in first pregnancy couples (mothers and spouses). The research design was a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest experiment. Study participants were 52 first pregnancy couples visiting two medium-scale obstetrics and gynecology clinics located in Gwangju. A total of 52 couples were assigned to the experimental group (25 couples) and the control group (27 couples). The experimental couples were provided with a Taegyo program for 4 weeks. Data were analyzed by chi square test, t-test, and ANCOVA using the SPSS program. Post-treatment maternal-fetal attachment, paternal-fetal attachment and motherhood significantly increased in the experimental group as compared to the control group, but post-treatment fatherhood, anxiety, blood pressure and pulse of participants in the experimental group showed no significant difference from those in the control group. From these results, it is suggested that the Taegyo program has beneficial effects in enhancing parent-fetal attachment and motherhood in first pregnancy couples. Therefore, a Taegyo program can be recommended as a nursing intervention program for first pregnancy couples.

Preexamination and Postexamination Assessment of Parental-Fetal Bonding in Patients Undergoing 3-/4-Dimensional Obstetric Ultrasonography

Supplementing two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS) with three- and four-dimensional US (3D/4DUS) aids the detection of fetal anomalies and also provides images that are more readily recognized by parents. There is evidence that 2DUS images contribute to positive attitudes on the part of expectant parents and enhance parental-fetal bonding, but similar data regarding 3D/4DUS is lacking. This study therefore assessed parental attitudes and bonding by asking parents to fill out three questionnaires before and after 3D/4DUS depicting the fetal face, limbs, and thorax. The first series of questions came from Cranley’s maternal-fetal attachment questionnaire or a modified version that functioned as a paternal-fetal questionnaire. This was followed by a line instrument that queried the parents experience with 3D/4DUS. Finally they answered questions from the Positive Feelings Questionnaire, that assessed levels of positive feelings using a Likert scale. The entire survey was completed before and after ultrasonography by 142 parents, including 89 mothers and 53 fathers. These parents constituted a mainly middle- and upper-class population. The maternal- or paternal-fetal attachment questionnaire included three types of questions. Type 1 questions pertained to the parent’s curiosity and imagination about the fetus (for example, “I picture myself feeding the baby”). Type 2 questions regarded the parents own health practices (“I do things to stay healthy that I would not do if I were not pregnant”), and Type 3 questions regarded the parent’s behavior toward the fetus (“I talk to my unborn baby”). The total score indicated a statistically significant positive change in both father’s and mother’s attitudes toward the pregnancy after 3D/4DUS. The answers to five questions indicated a significant positive change in women, while the answers to two of these indicated a significant change for men. All five questions were Type 1 questions and indicated increased bonding. On the second questionnaire, men expressed an increase in excitement after the ultrasound exam was performed, while women were already maximally excited before the exam. The Positive Feelings Questionnaire demonstrated significant change in a positive direction during the examination and, at the same time, a lessening of anxiety. Women changed positively and significantly in their feelings about the baby, degree of happiness, reduced anxiety, freedom from fear, and hopefulness. Men changed significantly in experiencing less anxiety and less fear. These findings suggest that 3D/4DUS favorably affects prospective mothers and fathers through strengthening bonding with, and inducing more positive feelings toward, their fetus. Further studies comparing the impact of ultrasound study in the second and third trimesters would be of interest.

Fathers massaging and relaxing their pregnant wives lowered anxiety and facilitated marital adjustment

Summary This study examined the effects of fathers massaging their pregnant wives and practicing relaxation with them. Participants were married American fathers who completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Paternal Fetal Attachment Scale. The fathers learned to massage their pregnant wives, learned relaxation techniques with their wives, or received no intervention. Massage therapy lowered the fathers’ self-reported anxiety levels on the STAI and improved marital adjustment on the DAS.

NORWEGIAN FAMILIES: TRANSITION TO PARENTHOOD

Our purpose in conducting this study was to explore relationships among family dynamics, parent–fetal attachment, and infant temperament in 230 mother–father pairs from the third trimester of pregnancy to when their infant was 7 to 9 months old. Mothers reported increased role conflict during this time, as well as more role conflict than their partners. First-time parents (n = 133) perceived more positive family dynamics than second-time parents (n = 97), as well as greater parent–fetal attachment. Maternal–fetal attachment was greater than paternal–fetal attachment. Health care providers can provide support for new parents as they negotiate new role relationships.

Family dynamics, parental-fetal attachment and infant temperament.

Family dynamics, parental-fetal attachment and infant temperament The purpose of this longitudinal study of families having their first or second baby was to explore relationships among family dynamics, paternal- and maternal-fetal attachment, and infant temperament. Data were collected from 156 women and 62 of their partners during the third trimester of pregnancy. One year later, when the infant was 8-9 months old, 75 of the women and 30 of their partners participated. In a hierarchical multiple regression analysis, after controlling for demographic variables, mutuality in the family was associated with greater maternal- and paternal-fetal attachment. Family dynamics were stable across the transition to parenthood except for an increase in role conflict reported by mothers. Sensitivity to specific family experiences by clinicians can provide assistance to families during these periods.

Available instruments for research on prenatal attachment and adaptation to pregnancy.

Research, clinical practice, and cost-effective nursing care are all interrelated and are dependent on the use of reliable and valid instruments. Critical to the success of any research study is the choice of instruments to measure key variables. Locating existing instruments for use in nursing research is an important but often labor-intensive activity. This article provides a review of some available instruments that measure two key clinical phenomena particular to the prenatal period: maternal-fetal and paternal-fetal attachment and adaptation to pregnancy. Examples of specific nursing studies that utilize these instruments are presented along with an assessment of the instruments' reliability and validity. Both nurse researchers and clinicians can benefit from this review of selected instruments used during the prenatal period.

Further exploration of maternal and paternal fetal attachment.

Fetal attachment of four groups of expectant parents were studied during the 24th to 34th weeks of pregnancy: 153 high-risk women hospitalized for a complication, 75 high-risk women's mates, 218 low-risk women, and 147 low-risk women's mates. No differences in fetal attachment scores were observed between high- or low-risk women or their mates; women scored significantly higher than their mates. Very little variance (7% to 14%) in fetal attachment was explained by the test of causal models except for high-risk women's mates for whom 31% of the variance was explained.