An exploration of prenatal attachment in Swedish expectant women

Abstract

This study examined expectant mothers' attachment to their unborn babies. A total of 171 pregnant women at third trimester of pregnancy were recruited for the study. Three questionnaires regarding prenatal attachment, psychosomatic symptoms, and attitudes towards pregnancy were used. A rating scale developed and administered by midwives on prenatal attachment was applied. The results revealed that prenatal attachment was a multidimensional construct including factors such as fantasy, interaction, affection, differentiation of self from foetus and sharing with others. Each dimension is expressed differently from other dimensions and some were more dominant than others. Maternal age, parity, partner relationship and a positive attitude towards pregnancy of both the mother and her partner played an important role, while psychosomatic discomfort was not significant for prenatal attachment. Furthermore, midwives were shown to be good observers of the maternal bond; however, to assess the various aspects of prenatal attachment, they need more differentiated criteria.