Prenatal Attachment Inventory Research Articles

The influence of antenatal imaging on prenatal bonding in uncomplicated pregnancies: a mixed methods analysis

BackgroundPrenatal bonding describes the emotional connection expectant parents form to their unborn child. Research acknowledges the association between antenatal imaging and enhanced bonding, but the influencing factors are not well understood, particularly for fathers or when using advanced techniques like fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aimed to identify variables which may predict increased bonding after imaging.MethodsFirst-time expectant parents (mothers = 58, fathers = 18) completed a two-part questionnaire (QualtricsXM™) about their expectations and experiences of ultrasound (n = 64) or fetal MRI (n = 12) scans in uncomplicated pregnancies. A modified version of the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI) was used to measure bonding. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended questions. Multivariate linear regression models were used to identify significant parent and imaging predictors for bonding. Qualitative content analysis of free-text responses was conducted to further understand the predictors’ influences.ResultsBonding scores were significantly increased after imaging for mothers and fathers (p < 0.05). MRI-parents reported significantly higher bonding than ultrasound-parents (p = 0.02). In the first regression model of parent factors (adjusted R2 = 0.17, F = 2.88, p < 0.01), employment status (β = -0.38, p < 0.05) was a significant predictor for bonding post-imaging. The second model of imaging factors (adjusted R2 = 0.19, F = 3.85, p < 0.01) showed imaging modality (β = -0.53), imaging experience (β = 0.42) and parental excitement after the scan (β = 0.29) were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with increased bonding. Seventeen coded themes were generated from the qualitative content analysis, describing how scans offered reassurance about fetal wellbeing and the opportunity to connect with the baby through quality interactions with imaging professionals. A positive scan experience helped parents to feel excited about parenthood. Fetal MRI was considered a superior modality to ultrasound.ConclusionsAntenatal imaging provides reassurance of fetal development which affirms parents’ emotional investment in the pregnancy and supports the growing connection. Imaging professionals are uniquely positioned to provide parent-centred experiences which may enhance parental excitement and facilitate bonding.

Husband's Supportive Relationship and Mother-Fetus Love Bonds on Mother's Anxiety During Pregnancy

Anxiety in pregnancy is an emotional state that issimilar to anxiety in general but differs in that it specifically focuses on concerns about pregnant women. Anxiety can get worse if a pregnant women experiences fear about the changes that occur in her bodt, the condition of fetus she is carrying and her mental readiness to face the birthing process. This research aimed to find out the correlation between the husband’s support and the maternal-fetal bond towards out the mother’s anxiety in undergoing pregnancy in the work area of Rejosari Community Health Center. This research used descriptive correlational design by employing cross sectional approach. The research samples were 95 respondents that were selected by using purposive sampling technique. This research used husband’s support, Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI), and Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-Revised 2 (PRAG-R2). The analysis used was bivariate analysis by using chi-square test. The research results showed that there was a significant correlation between the husband’s support for pregnant women’s anxiety and the research results also showed that there was a significant correlation between the maternal-fetal bond and pregnant women’s anxiety.

Effect of online health training/counseling and progressive muscle relaxation exercise on postpartum depression and maternal attachment: A randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the effect of online health training/counseling and a progressive muscle relaxation exercise (PMRE) program on postpartum depression and maternal attachment. The present study was a randomized, controlled, experimental trial. Participants were asked to complete the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI) and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) at 35 weeks of pregnancy. Group assignment was done by stratified block randomization according to EPDS score (0-9, 10-30) and parity. Women in the experimental group received training in progressive muscle relaxation, postpartum depression, and maternal attachment via online video calls twice a week starting at 36-37 weeks of pregnancy. They were asked to complete the PMRE program from 36 weeks of pregnancy until 6 months postpartum, and online counseling was provided throughout this period. Participants completed the Maternal Postpartum Attachment Scale (MPAS) and the EPDS at 6 weeks postpartum. Mean PAI score was 64.24 ± 9.61 in the experimental group before the intervention and 62.14 ± 10.13 in the control group. The mean EPDS score of the experimental group was 9.12 ± 5.05 and the mean score of the control group was 9.77 ± 6.30 (P > 0.05). The mean MPAS score after the intervention was 13.92 ± 5.54 in the experimental group and 17.51 ± 6.12 in the control group. The mean EPDS score of the experimental group was 3.40 ± 3.00 and the mean score of the control group was 11.40 ± 5.91 (P < 0.05). Online health training/counseling and PMRE reduce the risk of postpartum depression and increase maternal attachment.

A new strategy to improve maternal-fetal attachment in primigravida women with prenatal spiritual-based stimulation

Primigravida has impacts related to preparedness for the transition into motherhood. Thus, its can disrupt the attachment between the mother and the fetus. This study aimed to determine the effects of prenatal spiritual-based stimulation on maternal-fetal attachment. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a control group and was conducted among primigravida women in Indonesia. The study included 66 respondents selected through purposive sampling. They were divided into the intervention and control groups, each comprising 33 participants. The intervention group received prenatal spiritual-based stimulations, which involved auditory, kinesthetic, light, and temperature stimulations and were administered over a 12-week period. Data on maternal-fetal attachment were collected using the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI), which had been tested for validity and reliability. Approval to use the instrument was obtained from its original author. Data analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney tests. The results showed that the Wilcoxon test yielded a p-value of 0.000 or significant differences were observed before and after intervention for the intervention group and 0.059 no significant differences were observed before and after the intervention for the control group. The Mann Whitney test revealed a p-value of 0.000, there were differences in the maternal-fetal attachment before and after the intervention. Therefore, spiritual-based prenatal stimulation is effective in enhancing maternal-fetal attachment. These results can provide a basis for pregnant women to apply spiritual-based prenatal stimulation interventions to enhance maternal-fetal attachment and health status.

Comparison of Prenatal Attachment Levels in Smoking and Non-Smoking Pregnant Women

Objective: This study aimed to compare prenatal attachment levels between smoker and non-smoker pregnant women. Method: In this comparative-descriptive study, a total of 160 pregnant women (80 smokers-80 non-smokers), who were between 18-35 years of age, had their first pregnancy, were at or above 20 weeks of gestation, and had no chronic health problems or communication problems, among the pregnant women who applied to Family Health Centers for pregnancy follow-up. The data were collected using a Participant Screening Form, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, Prenatal Attachment Inventory. Results: Although there was no significant difference, it was determined that the attachment scores of non-smokers were higher than those of smokers. A negative correlation was found between nicotine addiction levels and mother-infant attachment levels of pregnant smokers. Bivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the effect of smoking during pregnancy on prenatal mother-infant attachment (Odds Ratio=0.010; p=0.999) was insignificant. Conclusion: Although the effect of smoking during pregnancy on prenatal attachment was insignificant, it was revealed that the nicotine addiction of pregnant women who smoked during pregnancy reduced prenatal attachment. Strengthening prenatal attachment may be a promising new approach to interventions for smoking cessation during pregnancy. At the same time, not smoking during pregnancy can strengthen prenatal attachment.

Relationship between emotional intelligence and prenatal attachment levels of women with healthy and high-risk pregnancies

Objectives: Emotional intelligence enables pregnant women to effectively cope with environmental effects and stressors in a dynamic and changing process. This research was planned for evaluating the relationship between emotional intelligence and prenatal attachment levels of women with healthy and high-risk pregnancies. Methods: Based on the descriptive research design and regression analysis, the research was performed with the participation of 281 pregnant women. Research data were collected through Information Form, Emotional Intelligence Self-Evaluation Scale (EISES) and Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI). Results: As per means of scores obtained from the EISES and PAI by women with healthy (133.34 ± 32.30) and high-risk (126.81 ± 35.80) pregnancies, it was found that pregnant women had high levels of emotional intelligence and medium levels of prenatal attachment. Based on research variables, there were no statistically significant differences in means of scores obtained from the Scale and the Inventory by women with healthy and high-risk pregnancies (p &amp;gt; 0.05). It was found that women who voluntarily got pregnant had higher prenatal attachment levels and this difference was statistically significant (x2= 102.81, p &amp;lt; 0.001). It was identified that there was no statistically significant difference in means of scores obtained by pregnant women from the EISES ans PAI (r= -0.060, p = 0.318). Conclusions: It was found that there was no statistically significant difference in prenatal attachment levels of women with healthy and high-risk pregnancies and their prenatal attachment levels had no statistically significant association with their emotional intelligence levels.

The effect of physical and emotional partner violence exerted during pregnancy on prenatal attachment and depression levels in pregnant women.

Exposure of pregnant women to physical and emotional violence during pregnancy adversely affects the health of the mother and the fetus. This study aimed to assess the effects of emotional and physical partner violence on prenatal attachment and depression levels in pregnant women. Five-hundred and ten pregnant women in the second and third trimesters were included in the study. A personal information form, the Epidemiological Research Center Depression Scale, and the prenatal attachment inventory (PAI) were used for data collection. Although 7.5% of the pregnant women were exposed to physical partner violence during pregnancy, 24.3% were exposed to emotional partner violence. Depression was observed in 86.9% of the pregnant women, whereas the mean PAI score was 37.29±10.504. There was a statistically significant relationship between the pregnant women's exposure to physical (p=.046) and emotional partner violence (p<.001) and depression. In this study, it was determined that pregnant women's exposure to emotional partner violence poses a risk for depression during pregnancy (p<.002; odds ratio=.143). As professionals working with pregnant women, obstetricians and maternity nurses should inquire about the exposure of pregnant women to partner violence during antenatal follow-ups.

The effect of prenatal anxiety on prenatal attachment in high-risk pregnant women and related factors: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT High-risk pregnant women experience stress and anxiety. Anxiety may affect prenatal attachment. This study aimed to examine the effect of anxiety on prenatal attachment in high-risk pregnant women. The study was cross-sectional and conducted on 290 high-risk pregnant women who applied to the perinatology outpatient clinic of a university hospital between February and July 2022. The data were collected with the descriptive information sheet, Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI), and Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS). Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis-H, and Spearman’s Correlation tests were used to analyze the data. The mean age of the examined pregnant women was 28.12 ± 5.36, and most of them were multigravida (65.5 percent) and in the third trimester (80.7 percent). The PAI and PASS mean scores were 64.09 ± 11.31 and 27.98 ± 16.52, respectively. There was a weak positive correlation between anxiety and prenatal attachment (r = .227, p < .001). The levels of prenatal attachment were higher in primigravidas and women with no children. Also, the anxiety levels of pregnant women in the third trimester were lower. Health professionals should evaluate the prenatal attachment and anxiety levels of high-risk pregnant women, and consider obstetrical factors that may influence both prenatal attachment and anxiety levels.

Does the immigration affect prenatal attachment levels?

ABSTRACT Pregnancy is an important period in which mother-infant attachment begins, includes bio-psychological changes, and has physical and psychological effects on the future life of the fetus. This study aims to evaluate the prenatal attachment levels of Syrian refugee and Turkish mothers in Turkey and to determine the variables that affect these. This cross-sectional study conducted in the obstetric outpatient clinics with 397 pregnant women 197 Syrian and 200 native women. Inclusion criteria were a pregnancy of at least 20 weeks, no communication or mental disorders, no chronic diseases, no diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy, literacy in the pregnant Turkish women, Turkish language proficiency in the pregnant Syrian women, and residence in Turkey for at least three years. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic form and The Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI). The data were analyzed by conducting independent t-tests, and hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis. The mean prenatal attachment score of Turkish pregnant women (61.79 ± 8.55) was higher than Syrian women (48.38 ± 10.39) (p < .05). Education level, pre-pregnancy counseling, regular checkup, support from spouses, relatives, and friends, and being a refugee of pregnant women were determined as predictors of prenatal attachment. The results showed that 67 percent of the total variance in the prenatal attachment levels could be explained in model 2 (F = 35.524, R2 variation = .673, p = .001). The low prenatal attachment level of Syrian pregnant women was a result of the detrimental impacts of being a refugee on pregnancy. The integration of transcultural knowledge, culture-specific perspectives, and cross-cultural theories into clinical practices is essential for immigrant women.

The Effect of Fear of COVID-19 on Prenatal Attachment and Pregnancy Stress in Pregnant Women

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted the lives of people around the world, causing illness, death, fear, and trauma. This study aims to determine the effect of fear of contracting COVID-19 on pregnancy stress and prenatal attachment in pregnant women. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 270 pregnant women who were registered in the family health center of a city located in the eastern part of Turkey. Data were collected between November 2020 and March 2021. The average age of the participants was 28.24 ± 5.69. A positive and weak correlation was found between the Fear of COVID-19 Scale Mean score and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI) and Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale (PSRS) mean scores ( r = 0.379, 0.478; P &lt; 0.001, respectively). In addition, a weak correlation was detected between the PAI mean score and the PSRS mean score ( r = 0.495; P &lt; 0.001). Results showed that the fear of COVID-19 affected prenatal attachment at a proportion of 14% and pregnancy stress at a proportion of 22%. This study found that the fear of COVID-19 had effects on pregnancy stress and prenatal attachment. Healthcare professionals should consider the fear caused by the pandemic as a factor in the treatment-care and consultancy services provided to pregnant women in extraordinary, unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2023;53(8):381–388.]

Maternal prenatal attachment during the COVID-19 pandemic: exploring the roles of pregnancy-related anxiety, risk perception, and well-being.

Pregnant women have faced novel physical and mental health risks during the pandemic. This situation is remarkable because a parent's emotional bond with their unborn baby (also known as prenatal attachment) is related to the parent's mental state. Prenatal attachment helps parents psychologically prepare forthe transition into parenthood. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role in the future parentchild relationship and psychosocial development of the baby. Based on the available literature, the current study integrated risk perception theories with mental healthindicators to examine maternal prenatal attachment during the pandemic. Pregnant women (n = 258) completed the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-Revision 2 (PRAQ-R2), theWHO Well-being Index (WHO-5), the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI), and answeredquestions about COVID-19 risk perception. The findings illustrated that pregnancy-related anxiety was positively associated with maternal prenatal attachment. Moreover, COVID-19 risk perception and well-being mediated this relationship. In other words, the higher levels of pregnancy-related anxiety were associated with increased COVID-19 risk perception and decreased well-being, inhibiting prenatal attachment in pregnant women. Considering the importance of prenatal attachment, it is crucial to understand the experiences of pregnant women and develop policies for promoting prenatal attachment, especially during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Virtual Reality Headset Simulating a Nature Environment to Improve Health Outcomes in Pregnant Women: A Randomized-Controlled Trial.

The single-blind randomized-controlled experimental study aimed to determine the effects of watching nature images through virtual reality (VR) headset on stress, anxiety, and attachment levels of pregnant women with preterm birth threats (PBTs). The participants were 131 primiparous pregnant women admitted to the perinatology clinic due to PBT between April 5, 2022 and July 20, 2022. The intervention group watched videos containing nature images accompanied by nature sounds in six sessions through VR headset three times daily for 2 days. Each session lasted for 5 min. The data were accumulated with the Information Form, Stress Subscale of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, State Anxiety Inventory, Prenatal Attachment Inventory, and Information Form of Satisfaction Level of VR Headset. State anxiety and stress levels of pregnant women in intervention group were statistically significantly lower than those in controls. There was no difference in prenatal attachment levels concerning intragroup comparisons of intervention group.

Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in At-Risk Pregnancy: Influence on Maternal-Fetal Attachment in Tunisia.

To investigate maternal prenatal anxiety and depression in high-risk pregnancies and examine their influence on maternal-fetal attachment. We included 95 hospitalized high-risk pregnant women. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI) were used to assess the primary objective. Internal consistency and construct validity of the PAI were investigated. The average age was 31years and gestational age ranged from 26 to 41weeks. Prevalence of depressive symptoms was 20% and anxiety symptoms 39%. Cronbach alpha coefficient of the PAI Tunisian version was 0.8 and the construct validity in favour of one factor model. PAI scores correlated negatively and significatively with the HADS total score (r = -0.218, p = 0.034) and was attributed to the depression dimension only (r = -0.205, p = 0.046). Emotional wellbeing of pregnant women especially in high-risk pregnancies should be explored in order to prevent consequences on women, their growing fetus, and prenatal attachment.

Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of BUMPs and its relationship with prenatal attachment

ABSTRACT Objective The present research aims to adapt the Body Understanding Measure for Pregnancy Scale (BUMPs) to Turkish, determine its psychometric properties, and examine the correlation between prenatal attachment and body image perception of pregnant women. Methods Three hundred seventy-one pregnant women were enrolled in the research. The original English version of the BUMPs was translated into Turkish using forward-backward translation logic. The scale’s reliability was evaluated with item analysis, internal consistency analysis, and test-retest reliability. Turkish version of the BUMPs and Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI) were filled out by pregnant women. The relationship between them was evaluated by correlation analysis. Results The mean week of gestation was 25.25 ± 8.26 (min: 12, max: 41). The Turkish version of the BUMPs exhibited satisfactory psychometric properties. The t-values, factor loadings, and fit indices of the scale items of the Turkish version were at an acceptable and excellent level. As a result of confirmatory factor analysis, the 18-item, three-factor construct was confirmed for the Turkish version of the scale. In the Turkish version of the scale, there are three subscales, including satisfaction with appearing pregnant, weight gain concerns, and physical burdens of pregnancy. Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficient of the overall scale was 0.84. A significant correlation was determined between the scores of the Turkish version of the BUMPs and the PAI (r = −0.263; p < 0.001). Conclusion The Turkish version of the BUMPs is a valid and reliable measurement tool for determining pregnant women’s body image perception. Prenatal attachment increases with the increasing body image perception of pregnant women.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK parent experiences of pregnancy ultrasound scans and parent-fetal bonding: A mixed methods analysis.

Companionship in antenatal care is important for facilitating positive parental experiences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on partner attendance at fetal ultrasound scans were introduced nationally to minimise transmission of the virus. This study aimed to explore the effect of these restrictions on maternal and paternal experiences of pregnancy scans and evaluate their potential effect on parent-fetal bonding. A UK-wide, anonymous cross-sectional survey was completed by new and expectant parents (n = 714) who had, or were awaiting a pregnancy scan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CORE-10 and an adapted version of the Prenatal Attachment Inventory were used to evaluate psychological distress and prenatal bonding. Additional survey questions captured parental experiences of scans. Separate statistical and thematic analyses of the data were undertaken. A joint display matrix was used to facilitate integration of quantitative and qualitative claims to generate a comprehensive interpretation of study findings. When fathers did not attend the scan, feelings of excitement and satisfaction were significantly reduced (p<0.001) and feelings of anxiety increased (p<0.001) in both parents. Mothers were concerned about receiving unexpected news alone and fathers felt excluded from the scan. Mean paternal bonding (38.22, SD 10.73) was significantly lower compared to mothers (47.01, SD 7.67) although no difference was demonstrated between those who had attended the scan and those who had not. CORE-10 scores suggested low-to-mild levels of psychological distress, although the mean difference between mothers and fathers was not significant. Key themes described both parents' sense of loss for their desired pregnancy scan experience and reflected on sonographers' central role in providing parent-centred care during scans. Restrictions on partner attendance at scans during the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on parental experiences of antenatal imaging. Provision of parent-centred care, which is inclusive of partners, is essential for improved parental experiences.

Prenatal attachment inventory during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Prenatal attachment inventory during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Prenatal attachment in women with twin versus singleton pregnancy: Socio-demographic, mental health and pregnancy-related predictors

BackgroundWhile twin pregnancy (TP) is associated with increased maternal physical and psychological risks, little is known about how this context interferes with prenatal attachment. AimsTo compare the level of prenatal attachment between women with TP and singleton pregnancy (SP), and to investigate socio-demographic, maternal mental health and pregnancy-related predictors. Study designCase-control study in a university hospital. Subjects119 women with TP during their last trimester of pregnancy versus 103 women with SP. Outcome measuresThe Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), in addition to the collection of general socio-demographic and medical data. ResultsThe mean PAI total score did not significantly differ between the two groups. In the group of women with TP, low but statistically significant correlations were found between the PAI total score and the EPDS total score (r = −0.21) and with maternal age (r = −0.20). ConclusionsNo major difference in prenatal attachment was found in women TP compared to those with SP. A higher level of depressive symptoms is worth considering to explore the risk of suboptimal attachment in this population. Questions were raised about the applicability of usual measures of prenatal attachment in this context.

Prenatal Attachment and Related Factors in Adolescent Pregnant Women

The aim of this study was to determine the level of prenatal attachment and related factors in adolescent pregnant women.&#x0D; The study is cross-sectional descriptive type. The sample consisted of 34 adolescent pregnant women who applied to obstetrics outpatient clinics in a Training and Research Hospital. The data were collected between June 2018-June 2019. &#x0D; The Personal Information Form was collected using the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI), Marriage Life Scale (MLS) and Health Practices in Pregnancy Scale (HPPS).&#x0D; The mean scores obtained from the scales are PAI 38.38±11.47; MLS is 32.74±8.16 and HPPS is 94.93±10.87. A significant negative correlation was found between PAI and HPPS mean score, and a positive and strong relationship between PAI and MLS score mean.&#x0D; While the mean score of PAI and MLS in adolescent pregnants is below the average level, HPPS is above the average. Prenatal attachment level was found to be low in those who are secondary school graduates, married for 2 years, whose first pregnancy and gender of the baby were male, and who evaluated the relationship with their husband at a moderate level. Prenatal attachment increases as satisfaction with marriage increases, while prenatal attachment decreases as health practices during pregnancy increase. Midwives should especially evaluate the prenatal attachment level and related factors of adolescent pregnants, and perform applications to increase prenatal attachment.

Pregnancy intendedness and happiness as predictors of maternal-foetal bonding: evidence for mediation

ABSTRACT Introduction Prior research has identified associations between pregnancy intendedness and maternal-foetal bonding, but no studies have examined the potential mediation of pregnancy happiness on the development of the maternal–infant relationship. Methods In 2017–2018, a clinic-based pregnancy cohort of 177 low-income and racially diverse women in a South-Central U.S. state participated in a study examining their pregnancy intentions, attitudes and behaviours. Pregnancy intentions and happiness and demographic characteristics were measured during the first trimester assessment, and maternal-foetal bonding was measured with the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI) during the second trimester. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the associations between intendedness, happiness and bonding. Results Findings indicate positive associations between intended pregnancies and pregnancy happiness and pregnancy happiness to bonding. The direct effect from intended pregnancy to maternal-foetal bonding was not significant, providing evidence for full mediation. We did not find any associations between pregnancies that were unintended or ambivalent with pregnancy happiness or maternal-foetal bonding. Conclusions Pregnancy happiness provides one potential explanation for the association between intended pregnancies and maternal-foetal bonding. These findings have implications for research and practice, as inquiring about mothers’ pregnancy attitudes (e.g. how happy they are about their pregnancy) may be more important for maternal psychological health outcomes, such as the maternal–child relationship, than whether or not their pregnancies were intended.

Prenatal attachment, foetal health locus of control and influencing factors in pregnancy.

The aim of this study was to determine prenatal attachment and foetal health locus of control in pregnant women and factors affecting these parameters. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 156 pregnant women (77 low-risk and 79 high-risk pregnancies). The study was carried out between August 2015 and February 2016. The data collection instruments included a Participant Information Form, the Prenatal Attachment Inventory and the Foetal Health Locus of Control Scale. Pregnant women's education and foetal health locus of control levels had positive and significant effects on prenatal attachment, and education had an effect on foetal health locus of control. Foetal health locus of control explained 6.3% of the total variance in prenatal attachment levels. As the educational statuses of pregnant women affected their prenatal attachment and foetal health locus of control, information, counselling and care should be prioritized for women with low education levels, in line with their needs. This is particularly important in terms of improving the control of pregnant women with lower prenatal attachment levels or internal locus of control over foetal health.