The Relationship between Marital Quality and Parent-Fetal Attachment by Pregnant Couples

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between marital quality and parent-fetal attachment. The sample included 395 pregnant women and 251 spouses who participated in Pregnant Education Programs. We analyzed the data which were collected by means of a questionnaire from September to November, 2011. The results were summarized as follows: The total marital quality level of pregnant couples was above the average and parent-fetal attachment levels were very high. Result indicated a difference in pregnant women and spouses regarding marital quality and parent-fetal attachment. The pregnant woman's marital quality and parent characteristics (planned pregnant, pregnancy period, birth order) had a significant correlation with parent-fetal attachment. The higher effective communication and conflict resolution regarding marital quality were, the higher parent-fetal attachment was.

The Influence of Anxiety and Dyadic Adjustment on Maternal–Fetal Attachment in High-Risk Pregnant Women

“…For maternal-fetal attachment of the subjects according to planned pregnancy, the mean score of high-risk pregnant women who planned the pregnancy was 74.04, higher than the mean score of 62.75 in high-risk pregnant women who did not plan the pregnancy. This is consistent with the results of previous studies by Chung et al, [18], Hwang [27], and Yarcheski et al, [12], showing a higher level of maternal-fetal attachment in planned pregnancy.…”

“…For childbirth history, the mean score of maternal-fetal attachment in high-risk pregnant women with history of more than 2 childbirths was 64.16, which was lower than the mean maternal-fetal attachment score of 73.13 in high-risk pregnant women with history of less than 1 childbirth. This supports the study results of Mercer et al, [11] and Chung et al [18], showing that maternal-fetal attachment is higher in primigravida than in multigravida. The mean maternal-fetal attachment score of high-risk pregnant women who received irregular prenatal tests was 68.56, which was lower than the mean score of 74.32 in high-risk women who received regular prenatal tests.…”

“…The result of this study confirmed that childbirth history, prenatal tests, anxiety, and dyadic adjustment were the factors influencing maternal-fetal attachment of high-risk pregnant women. Maternal-fetal attachment of high-risk pregnant women was shown to be higher with less history of childbirth, which supports the study results of Mercer et al, [11] and Chung et al, [18], suggesting that maternal-fetal attachment is higher in primigravida than in multigravida. Ahn [28] stated that pregnant women with history of more than 1 childbirth have lower intimacy, mystique, and expectation towards the fetus than do primigravida, and because they are distracted and cannot spend much time on maternal-fetal attachment because they have to take care of other children, their maternal-fetal attachment is lower than in primigravida.…”

“…The quality of the dyadic relationship affects pregnant women, leading to unsatisfactory dyadic relationship, and pregnant women experience negative emotions as the level of support from the spouse is lower [8]. Studies by Mercer et al, [11] and Chung et al, [18] presented that dyadic relationship quality is a factor that has an important effect on pregnant women and that maternal-fetal attachment will be high as the mother's relationship with her spouse is favorable and marital satisfaction is high. Thus, dyadic adjustment can be predicted as a crucial factor influencing emotion in high-risk pregnant women and their maternal-fetal attachment.…”

Factors Influencing Maternal-Fetal attachment in High-Risk Pregnancy

“…Anxiety in pregnant women has been reported to interfere with maternal-fetal attachment and emotional communion with the fetus [6].In contrast, emotional support from the spouse and the quality of the marital relationship are closely related to the pregnant woman's psychological reactions. High levels of marital adjustment support the maternal role and help pregnant women to experience positive pregnancy and childbirth [8]. In particular, dyadic adjustment reduces stress and anxiety in high-risk pregnancy and helps the pregnant woman to form a positive relationship with the fetus [9].…”