Disturbance in parent-child relationship following preterm delivery

Increasing concern is expressed that the psychosocial development of preterm infants may be hindered by a disturbance of parental attitudes following the initial period of specialised care. Attitudes of parents of 17 preterm infants were compared with those of parents of 17 full-term infants at a single semi-structured interview six to 20 months after the birth. The groups of parents were matched for parity and did not differ in their social, ethnic and educational backgrounds. There was evidence of some disturbance in parent-child relationships in the preterm group, consisting of delays in maternal attachment to the child, negative maternal perception of the child compared with expectation of an 'average' baby, and persistent parental anxiety about leaving the child with a baby-sitter. In addition, two preterm children had been abused or neglected. Parental reaction to a preterm birth is discussed and the need for adequate support to be given to parents in the early period following the birth is stressed.