Factors affecting the maternal-foetal relationship

Abstract

Background. Mother’s attachment to her unborn child has a strong impact on a pregnant woman’s attitude towards her health, postnatal attachment, and the child’s physical and emotional growth. The purpose of our study was to identify the factors that impact the maternal-foetal relationship. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the Centre of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the tertiary-level Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos in Vilnius, Lithuania. An original questionnaire of nine parts was developed that the questionnaire included information on demographical data, gynaecological and obstetrical history, a relationship assessment scale, the index of happiness, an antenatal depression risk questionnaire, and the Maternal-Antenatal Attachment Scale. Results. The study included 388 pregnant women. It was found that the level of education, obstetrical issues during pregnancy, and the risk of postnatal depression negatively impacted the maternal-foetal relationship (p < 0.05). Mothers who were elder in family birth order, also those whose pregnancy was of a longer duration, who had a better-quality romantic relationship with partner, and whose socioeconomic fulfilment was higher were all found to have a better quality of maternal-foetal bonding (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The early recognition of low attachment and right application of various means of psychologic intervention might improve the quality of pregnancy, maternity, and childhood.

Impact of ultrasound and sociodemographic variables on maternal foetal attachment in Taraba State, Nigeria

“…This study finding shown on table 4.2is also in line with that of Moussa and Čėsnaitė whose findings reveals that MFA mean values obtained by the d i ff e r e n t a g e g r o u p s d i d n o t d i ff e r significantly [12,13]and contrary to that of Hassan and Fawzi that found increased in maternal age to have overall decreased of maternal-foetal attachment, specifically 94.3% of the teenage participants were strongly attached, compared to 72.1% of those who were in their thirties or more [6].…”

Prenatal Depression in Women in the Third Trimester: Prevalence, Predictive Factors, and Relationship With Maternal-Fetal Attachment

“…It could predict the occurrence of postpartum depression ( 14 ). High quality of MFA can promote the role recognition of pregnant women, facilitate the growth and development environment of the fetus in the uterus, and can ease postpartum anxiety and depression ( 15 – 17 ). Meanwhile, poor quality of MFA was related to low-quality of maternal-infant bond and less optimal early childhood development ( 18 , 19 ).…”

The mediating role of prenatal depression in adult attachment and maternal-fetal attachment in primigravida in the third trimester

“…Studies have also noted that by determining the mother’s attachment style and MFA status during pregnancy, the early detection of these problems provides an opportunity for professionals to offer specific support and individualized interventions to improve these interactions [ 65 ]. In prenatal screening, the timely detection of low MFA and formulating corresponding interventions can improve the quality of life during pregnancy and childhood [ 20 ]. Pregnancy adaptation education can improve not only maternal-fetal attachment but also pregnant women’s ability to adapt to pregnancy [ 66 ].…”

“…In addition to prenatal depression, many factors are predictors of MFA, such as the gestational age, social support and prenatal testing [ 19 ]. In addition, education level, obstetric problems during pregnancy, duration of pregnancy, socioeconomic status, fertility attitude, and fetal awareness are factors that affect MFA [ 20 , 21 ]. The personality characteristics of pregnant women, such as adult attachment, can also affect MFA.…”