Prenatal representations link pregnancy intention to observed caregiving

Children from unintended pregnancies are at an increased risk of experiencing less positive parenting practices as well as abuse and neglect. Thus, identifying factors that may explain the association between pregnancy intention and caregiving behaviours is critical, as well as identifying if these associations can be assessed during pregnancy.

In a sample of 297 pregnant people (M_age = 31.17, SD = 4.89; gestational age range 9.71-35.14, M = 23.55, SD = 5.54) and, later, their 6-month-old infants, this prospective study examined the degree to which two facets (i.e. acceptance and richness of perceptions of the child and their role in being a parent for that child) of caregivers' prenatal mental representations of the child explained the association between pregnancy intention and the caregiver behaviour observed during caregiver - child interactions in infancy.

Results indicated that caregiver-child interactions following pregnancies that were intended, relative to those non-intended, were rated as higher in caregiving sensitivity and warmth. These relations were explained, in part, by a greater richness of perceptions, but not through acceptance.

Findings suggest richness of perceptions as a potential target for exploration in interventions to support pregnant people who were not intending to become pregnant as a means to promote positive caregiver - child relationships.