Stress, Depression, and Fetal Attachment in Pregnant Women having Infertility Treatments

The purpose of this study was to determine the stress, depression, and fetal attachment of pregnant women who underwent infertility treatment, and to identify factors associated with fetal attachment.

As a correlation survey design, data were collected from 136 pregnant women who underwent infertility treatment. Data were analyzed using chi2-test, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression.

Stress, depression, and fetal attachment averaged 3.01+/-0.60 (range of scale 1~5), 10.02+/-6.51 (out of a possible 63), and 3.64+/-0.55 (range of scale 1~5), respectively. Level of fetal attachment was higher when mother's age was less than 35, having other children, and having prenatal education experience. Lower score of depression and client's age less than 35 were significant factors affecting fetal attachment.

Infertility is a life-affecting trauma for the individual, and personal and social changes due to infertility cause physical and psychological difficulties even after a successful pregnancy with infertility treatment. Therefore, prenatal management programs need to be developed giving consideration to the emotional and physical changes in order to promote physical and psychological stability in the women pregnant following infertility treatment.