Maternal-fetal attachment and perceived parental bonds of pregnant women

• Published in: Early human development Vol. 154; p. 105310
• Main Authors: da Rosa, Kathreim Macedo, Scholl, Carolina Coelho, Ferreira, Lidiane Aguiar, Trettim, Jéssica Puchalski, da Cunha, Gabriela Kurz, Rubin, Bárbara Borges, Martins, Rayssa da Luz, Motta, Janaína Vieira dos Santos, Fogaça, Tatiane Bilhalva, Ghisleni, Gabriele, Pinheiro, Karen Amaral Tavares, Pinheiro, Ricardo Tavares, Quevedo, Luciana de Avila, de Matos, Mariana Bonati
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 01.03.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Maternal-fetal attachment; Parental bonding; Paternal bonding; Paternal role; Pregnancy; Social support; Pregnancy; Parental bonding; Paternal role; Paternal bonding; Maternal-fetal attachment; Social support
• ISSN: 0378-3782; 1872-6232
• DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105310

The parental bond is characterized by the perception of care and protection received by parental figures throughout human development. During the gestational period, the intensity in which the woman manifests behaviors and feelings for the fetus was denominated maternal-fetal attachment (MFA). In this perspective, the literature indicates that there is association between MFA and the pregnant woman's perception about the bond established with her parents. This study aimed to evaluate the association between MFA and perceived parental bonds of pregnant women in the city of Pelotas/RS (Brazil). This is a cohort study with 839 women during their gestational period. All women answered to the Parental Bonding Instrument to investigate the perceived parental bonds, and the MFA was assessed through the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. The main results showed that perceived paternal overprotection was associated with a higher MFA after adjustment (B 2.00 CI95% 0.30; 3.70). Additionally, the pregnant women who were in the first trimester of pregnancy (p < 0.001), who did not live with a partner (p = 0.018), and who did not feel supported by the baby's father during pregnancy (p = 0.014) presented lower scores of MFA. This study showed the importance of the paternal role in the women's life, considering the perception of the bond with their father during their development, an adequate support by the father of the baby, and the presence of a partner during pregnancy. As a result, the paternal role may influence the feelings and behaviors of greater affection, care, and concern regarding the fetus. •Literature suggests an association between maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) and the parental bonding of the pregnant women.•We provide evidence that the overprotection perceived by the women with her paternal figures influences the MFA.•The supportive behaviors provided by the baby's father influence pregnant women's MFA.•Living with a partner also has a positive impact on MFA.