Maternal-fetal attachment and perceived parental bonds of pregnant women

Abstract

Background The parental bond is characterized by the perception of care and protection received by parental figures throughout human development. During the gestational period, the intensity in which the woman manifests behaviors and feelings for the fetus was denominated maternal-fetal attachment (MFA). In this perspective, the literature indicates that there is association between MFA and the pregnant woman's perception about the bond established with her parents. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the association between MFA and perceived parental bonds of pregnant women in the city of Pelotas/RS (Brazil). Study design This is a cohort study with 839 women during their gestational period. All women answered to the Parental Bonding Instrument to investigate the perceived parental bonds, and the MFA was assessed through the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. Results The main results showed that perceived paternal overprotection was associated with a higher MFA after adjustment (B 2.00 CI95% 0.30; 3.70). Additionally, the pregnant women who were in the first trimester of pregnancy ( p < 0.001), who did not live with a partner ( p = 0.018), and who did not feel supported by the baby's father during pregnancy ( p = 0.014) presented lower scores of MFA. Conclusion This study showed the importance of the paternal role in the women's life, considering the perception of the bond with their father during their development, an adequate support by the father of the baby, and the presence of a partner during pregnancy. As a result, the paternal role may influence the feelings and behaviors of greater affection, care, and concern regarding the fetus.

Prenatal attachment by first-time fathers – the pilot study of the factor structure of the Polish-language version of the Prenatal Attachment Inventory for men (PAI-M)

“…Third, in the current study, all fathers were examined during the third trimester (from 28 to 40 gestational week), therefore, it was not possible to determine whether the strength of attachment differs depending on the stage of pregnancy. Muller [5] reports a positive correlation between the PAI score and gestational week, and da Rosa et al [41] indicate lower levels of attachment (measured by the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale; MFAS) among women with lower gestational age. It can be assumed that similar relationships will occur in men, especially since the process of shaping prenatal attachment may be more difficult in expectant fathers because they do not experience direct contact with the fetus.…”

Physical activity level and associated factors among pregnant women: a population-based epidemiological study

“…It is a sensation that benefits the adaptation to pregnancy, the successful transition to motherhood and, consequently, the affective bond with the fetus 54 . Attachment includes behaviors and feelings of care, protection and integration with the fetus, expressed through affection, emotions, perceptions, concerns and expectations 56 . Although this construct is a predictor of the pregnant woman's behavior, there are gaps in evidence about its influence on the practice of physical activity.…”

Nível de atividade física e fatores associados entre gestantes: estudo epidemiológico de base populacional

“…Constitui uma sensação que beneficia a adaptação à gravidez, a transição bemsucedida para a maternidade e, por conseguinte, o vínculo afetivo com o feto 54 . O apego inclui comportamentos e sentimentos de cuidado, proteção e integração com o feto, expressa mediante afeto, emoções, percepções, preocupações e expectativas 56 . Apesar de esse construto ser um preditor de comportamentos da gestante, há lacunas de evidências acerca de sua influência na prática de atividade física.…”