Factors affecting the maternal-foetal relationship

Abstract

Background. Mother’s attachment to her unborn child has a strong impact on a pregnant woman’s attitude towards her health, postnatal attachment, and the child’s physical and emotional growth. The purpose of our study was to identify the factors that impact the maternal-foetal relationship. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the Centre of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the tertiary-level Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos in Vilnius, Lithuania. An original questionnaire of nine parts was developed that the questionnaire included information on demographical data, gynaeco-logical and obstetrical history, a relationship assessment scale, the index of happiness, an antenatal depression risk questionnaire, and the Maternal-Antenatal Attachment Scale. Results. The study included 388 pregnant women. It was found that the level of education, obstetrical issues during preg-nancy, and the risk of postnatal depression negatively impacted the maternal-foetal relationship (p < 0.05). Mothers who were elder in family birth order, also those whose pregnancy was of a longer duration, who had a better-quality romantic relationship with partner, and whose socioeconomic fulfilment was higher were all found to have a better quality of maternal-foetal bonding (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The early recognition of low attachment and right application of various means of psychologic intervention might improve the quality of pregnancy, maternity, and child-hood.