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Published on: December 5, 2015
Development of maternal-fetal attachment during pregnancy.
1University of Rochester School of Nursing.
Nursing Research
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Maternal-fetal attachment, measured by the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), generally increases throughout pregnancy. However, individual experiences vary, and attachment is linked to postpartum infant centrality and maternal role attainment.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Maternal-Child Psychology
- Perinatal Studies
Background:
- Maternal-fetal attachment is a crucial aspect of prenatal development.
- Understanding the trajectory of maternal-fetal bonding during pregnancy is essential for optimizing maternal and infant well-being.
- Existing research highlights the importance of assessing maternal-fetal attachment throughout gestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the changes in maternal-fetal attachment over the course of pregnancy.
- To investigate the relationship between maternal-fetal attachment scores and gestational progression.
- To explore correlations between maternal-fetal attachment and maternal demographic factors, as well as postpartum outcomes.
Main Methods:
- The Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS) was administered monthly to 69 pregnant individuals (gravidas) from early prenatal care until delivery.
- Analysis included examining total and subscale scores across gestation, assessing stability and changes over time.
- Correlations were calculated between MFAS scores, maternal demographics (including parity), and postpartum infant centrality and maternal role attainment.
Main Results:
- Maternal-fetal attachment scores, measured by the MFAS, showed relative stability across gestation, with the weakest correlations observed between 16-week scores and later measures.
- Total MFAS scores and most subscale scores significantly increased as gestation progressed, indicating a growing bond.
- Parity was negatively associated with the increase in MFAS scores across gestation; scores were also linked to postpartum infant centrality and maternal role attainment.
Conclusions:
- Maternal-fetal attachment generally strengthens throughout pregnancy, though individual trajectories exhibit variability.
- The study highlights the dynamic nature of the maternal-fetal bond and its connection to maternal experiences and postpartum adjustment.
- Findings underscore the utility of the MFAS in tracking maternal-fetal attachment and its relationship with significant maternal and infant outcomes.
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