Antenatal mental representations about the child and mother-infant interaction at three months post partum

To study the predictive value of antenatal maternal mental representations about the child for mother-infant interaction at three months after birth.

A total of 73 pregnant women attending a routine ultrasound examination during the third trimester, who agreed to return with their baby for the interaction study.

Antenatally a questionnaire for assessing maternal representations about the child was given to the mothers. Also, depression and pregnancy risk were assessed. At three months, mother and infant were video-taped during a 4-phase interaction. Interaction analysis was performed using the Munich Communication Diagnostic Scale.

Overall maternal regulatory ability was predicted by a compound factor comprising the antenatal representations. Maternal interactive behavior was not predicted by antenatal representations about the child. Infant overall eye contact was predicted by maternal representations as was interaction readiness during the still-face period. Significant covariates were maternal age, education, parity and the Pregnancy Optimality Score as well as neurologic optimality of the infant.

Antenatal maternal representations about the child predicted parental regulatory ability and infant interaction behavior especially during the still-face period.