The relationship between biological factors (vitamin D, prolactin, oxytocin, thyroid hormones) , Pregnancy-Related Anxiety and Maternal-Foetal Attachment

Abstract

Introduction and Objective. Pregnancy-Related Anxiety (PrA) is a common issue in pregnancy, which is distinctive from Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It has numerous negative outcomes for both mother and child. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D, thyroid function, prolactin, oxytocin and Pregnancy-Related Anxiety, and to check for any correlations between anxiety levels and maternal-foetal bonding in pregnancy and postpartum. Materials and method. Seventy pregnant women participated in the study. The relationship was investigated between Pregnancy-Related Anxiety and biological factors and maternal-foetal attachment, using serum levels of vitamin D, TSH, prolactin, oxytocin, and scores of PRAQ-R2, MFAS and MORS questionnaires. Results. No significant association was found between vitamin D, oxytocin, prolactin, TSH and PrA. Weak positive correlations were found between own appearance subscale of PRAQ-R2 and mothers' perception of giving self subscale in MFAS. A weak positive correlation was also found between PRAQ-R2 and its' subscale concerning own appearance and MORS invasion subscale. Conclusions. Vitamin D, oxytocin, prolactin and thyroid function are believed to be associated with anxiety disorders. No such association was found. It might suggest that PrA is a distinctive disorder with other pathogenetic factors. Disorders of maternal-foetal attachment may be related to concerns about own appearance in pregnant women; therefore, this issue should be addressed early in pregnancy.