Factors affecting the maternal-fetal attachment during pregnancy

Hassan, Samar; Fikry, Nahed; El- Sayed, Hanan

doi:10.21608/mnj.2021.213161

Factors affecting the maternal-fetal attachment during pregnancy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ 1Clincical Instructor –Damietta University, Faculty of Nursing-Mansoura University, Egypt.

² Professor of Maternity Health Nursing and Newborn Department, Faculty of Nursing &ndash; Damietta University, Damietta Egypt

³ women’s health and midwifery nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University

10.21608/mnj.2021.213161

Abstract

Background:Maternal-fetal attachment is intangibleconnection and maintains a
bond between mother and baby in her womb which is considered an important part of fetal
development and this attachment can be affected by different factors. This study was aimed
toidentify the factors affecting the maternal-fetal attachment during pregnancy. Design: A
descriptive design was used.Subjects: A purposive sample including 100 pregnant women
were participated. Setting: Antenatal Clinics of Al-Azhar University Hospital in New
Damietta City, Damietta Governorate, in Egypt. Tools:A structure Interview Questionnaire,
Cranley’s Maternal-Fetal attachment Scale (CMFAS),Fetal position awareness scale
(FPAS). Results:There was a positive and significant relationship between the mean of
MFA in mothers with the history of fetal loss and presence of support provider and strong
attachment to mother, on the other hand this study confirmed that a statistically significant
negative correlation between MFA and pregnant woman's gravidity.Conclusion: Maternal
fetal attachment is associated significantly and positively with multiple factors: previous
fetal loss, presence of support provider, and strong attachment to mother. Education level
and history of previous low birth weight baby come in the second level of significant in this
study.Additionally,increased gravidity contributed to a decreased MFA level.
Recommendation: Early and effective interventions should be applied for the expectant
mother to achieve a physically and psychologically wellbeing during pregnancy to reach
best optimize maternal and fetal health

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