Comparative study to assess the maternal and paternal fetal attachment among the expectant mothers and fathers

Abstract

Background: Bonding during pregnancy refers to a process through which a pregnant women experiences feelings and emotions for her fetus, interacts with her fetus and develops a maternal identity during pregnancy. The mothers and fathers interact differently with the developing fetus, but evidences for these differences are contradictory. It is important to recognize the factors influencing maternal fetal attachment and paternal fetal attachment because of the effects on future health and development of the infant. Methods: A descriptive (comparative) research design was used to compare the maternal and paternal fetal attachment among 50 couples [Expectant mothers (50) and Expectant fathers (50) =100] selected by convenience sampling technique, who visited ANC OPD of DMC and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab. Modified Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale (Mecca S Cranley, 1979) and Modified Paternal Fetal Attachment Scale (Mecca S Cranley, 1979) were used to assess the maternal and paternal fetal attachment by self-report method. Results: Findings revealed that the maternal fetal attachment was higher than the paternal fetal attachment. There was significant difference between maternal and paternal fetal attachment scores (89.76±13.410 vs 80.62±15.494, p=0.002) respectively. The association of maternal fetal attachment was found to be statistically significant with gravida, parity, live babies, planned pregnancy, history of infertility, method of conception and marital relationship (p<0.05) whereas paternal fetal attachment was found to be statistically significant with duration of marriage, number of live children and method of conception (p<0.05). Conclusions: Thus, the study concluded that the maternal fetal attachment was higher than paternal fetal attachment.

Evaluation of the Relationship and Factors Affecting Maternal and Paternal Fetal Attachment in the Couples During Prenatal Period: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…This finding was supported in the study of Ustunsoz et al 15 The study of Kaur and Mamta, Sagar also found a statistically significant relationship between parity and MFA and PFA scores. 22 This result, which is consistent with the literature, may be explained with the references to high levels of excitement and demand among the nulliparous women and their partners so that they may be more likely to develop prenatal attachment.…”

“…The only study in the literature on the relationship between length of marriage and MFA and PFA scores did not find a significant relationship between these variables. 22 Although this study did not find a statistically significant relationship between length of marriage and MFA scores, PFA scores were found to be negatively associated with length of marriage. We believe that this finding may be related with the possibility that the interest of expectant fathers on marriage and pregnancy may decrease over time.…”

Relationship between Maternal Fetal Attachment and Self-Care Practices among Pregnant Women

“…On the other hand, this same result disagrees with the findings of Kaur & Mamta (2017). They had conducted a comparative study to assess the maternal and paternal fetal attachment among the expectant mothers and fathers in Iran (15) . Their results showed that 90% of their female expectant mothers had strong maternal fetal attachment level.…”

Maternal foetal attachment and perceived stress during pregnancy

“…Factors such as lack of social support, an unplanned pregnancy, marital problems, are all linked with lower MFA. 39 Thus, it could be said that the presence of any of these factors during pregnancy adversely affects both MFA and stress.…”