The effect of maternal-fetal attachment education on pregnant women’s mental health

Abstract

Physiological and psychological changes in pregnancy have a considerable effect on mother’s wellbeing. Hence, in this period pregnant women are vulnerable to develop mental health difficulties due to hormonal alterations and other external factors. Mental health problems during pregnancy may impact to child’s growth and psychological development. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) education on the scores of mental health disorders among pregnant women. This study was quasy-experimental. The sample were 55 pregnant women (28=control group, 27=experimental group) who registered in Community Health Centers. Participants were selected by consecutive sampling technique. Data collection tools were EPDS, SRQ, SSQ-6, and demographic questionnaire. These questionnaires were filled out by both groups as pre-test and two weeks later. The data were analyzed by paired and independent t-test in SPSS/20 with significant levels p0,05). This study indicated that maternal-fetal attachment education might contribute in improving pregnant women’s mental health. The future study should be tested in larger sample sizes with more than two weeks follow up to confirm these results.

Selected predictors of maternal-fetal attachment in pregnancies with congenital disorders, other complications, and in healthy pregnancies

“…The possibility of early detection and correction of pregnancy risks allow ample opportunity for educational, preventive and assistance activities addressed to future parents and their families, as well as the specialists taking care of pregnant women. Perwitasari et al (2019) highlight that the possibility of maternal-fetal attachment education can contribute to improving the mother’s mental and physical health. An understanding of the experiences and ways that this special time is experienced by pregnant women and their social environment, especially in cases of high-risk pregnancy, allows an opportunity to offer professional psychological help and adequate support to improve their functioning, increase the sense of satisfaction and strengthen social bonds.…”

Perinatal depression: prevalence, outcomes and screening tools - a review of the literature

“…Patients may also feel as if they are inadequate mothers, causing them guilt and embarrassment (Fundukian, LJ & Wilson, 2008). Maternal fetal attachment was also associated with mother's psychological health (Perwitasari, Hakimi, M, 2019). The long-term effects of postpartum depression in the children may also occur.…”

Peningkatan Kemampuan Deteksi Dini Depresi pada Ibu Hamil di Kota Surabaya

“…Dampak positif dan negatif pada kehidupan wanita juga bisa dialami selama masa kehamilan. Salah satu dampak negatif ini termasuk kerentanan dalam hal kesehatan mental yang dapat berujung depresi (Perwitasari et al, 2019).…”