Maternal pre and perinatal experiences with their full-term, preterm and very preterm newborns

Mothers' reports about pregnancy, maternity and their experiences during the perinatal period have been associated with infants' later quality of attachment and development. Yet, there has been little research with mothers of very preterm newborns. This study aimed to explore mothers' experiences related to pregnancy, premature birth, relationship with the newborn, and future perspectives, and to compare them in the context of distinct infants' at-birth-risk conditions.

A semi-structured interview was conducted with women after birth, within the first 72 h of the newborn's life. A total of 150 women participated and were divided in three groups: (1) 50 mothers of full-term newborns (Gestational Age (GA) ≥ 37 weeks; FT), (2) 50 mothers of preterm newborns (GA 32-36 weeks; PT) and (3) 50 mothers of very preterm newborns (GA < 32 weeks; VPT).

Mothers of full-term infants responded more often that their children were calm and that they did not expect difficulties in taking care of and providing for the baby. Mothers of preterm newborns although having planned and accepted well the pregnancy (with no mixed or ambivalent feelings about it) and while being optimistic about their competence to take care of the baby, mentioned feeling frightened because of the unexpected occurrence of a premature birth and its associated risks. Mothers of very preterm newborns reported more negative and distressful feelings while showing more difficulties in anticipating the experience of caring for their babies.

The results indicate that Health Care Systems and Neonatal Care Policy should provide differentiated psychological support and responses to mothers, babies and families, taking into account the newborns' GA and neonatal risk factors.