TY - JOUR

T1 - What factors are most important for the development of the maternal-fetal relationship?

T2 - A prospective study among pregnant women in Danish general practice

AU - Ertmann, Ruth K.

AU - Bang, Christine W.

AU - Kriegbaum, Margit

AU - Vaever, Mette S.

AU - Kragstrup, Jakob

AU - Siersma, Volkert

AU - Wilson, Philip

AU - Lutterodt, Melissa C.

AU - Smith-Nielsen, Johanne

PY - 2021

Y1 - 2021

N2 - Background: Development of the maternal antenatal attachment (MAA) constitutes an important aspect of the transition into motherhood. Early identification of women at risk of developing a poor MAA provides possibilities for preventive interventions targeting maternal mental health and the emerging mother-infant relationship. In this study, we investigate the relative importance of an extensive set of psychosocial, pregnancy-related, and physiological factors measured in the first trimester of pregnancy for MAA measured in third trimester.Methods: A prospective study was conducted among pregnant women in Danish general practice (GP). Data were obtained in the first and the third trimester from pregnancy health records and electronic questionnaires associated with routine GP antenatal care visits. The Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) was used to assess maternal antenatal attachment. The relative importance of potential determinants of maternal antenatal attachment was assessed by the relative contribution of each factor to the fit (R-2) calculated from multivariable regression models.Results: The sample consisted of 1328 women. Low antenatal attachment (Total MAASConclusion: Pregnant women reporting lack of social support and general low physical and mental well-being early in pregnancy may be at risk for developing a poor MAA. An approach targeting both psychosocial and physiological well-being may positively influence expectant mothers' successful adaptation to motherhood.

AB - Background: Development of the maternal antenatal attachment (MAA) constitutes an important aspect of the transition into motherhood. Early identification of women at risk of developing a poor MAA provides possibilities for preventive interventions targeting maternal mental health and the emerging mother-infant relationship. In this study, we investigate the relative importance of an extensive set of psychosocial, pregnancy-related, and physiological factors measured in the first trimester of pregnancy for MAA measured in third trimester.Methods: A prospective study was conducted among pregnant women in Danish general practice (GP). Data were obtained in the first and the third trimester from pregnancy health records and electronic questionnaires associated with routine GP antenatal care visits. The Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) was used to assess maternal antenatal attachment. The relative importance of potential determinants of maternal antenatal attachment was assessed by the relative contribution of each factor to the fit (R-2) calculated from multivariable regression models.Results: The sample consisted of 1328 women. Low antenatal attachment (Total MAASConclusion: Pregnant women reporting lack of social support and general low physical and mental well-being early in pregnancy may be at risk for developing a poor MAA. An approach targeting both psychosocial and physiological well-being may positively influence expectant mothers' successful adaptation to motherhood.

KW - Maternal antenatal attachment

KW - Pregnant

KW - General practice

KW - Cohort

KW - Risk factors

KW - Pregnancy-related symptoms

KW - PRENATAL ATTACHMENT

KW - ANTENATAL ATTACHMENT

KW - DUTCH VERSION

KW - INFANT

KW - RELIABILITY

KW - VALIDITY

KW - MOTHERS

KW - PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

KW - ASSOCIATION

KW - PREDICTORS

U2 - 10.1186/s40359-020-00499-x

DO - 10.1186/s40359-020-00499-x

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 33397501

VL - 9

JO - BMC psychology

JF - BMC psychology

SN - 2050-7283

IS - 1

M1 - 2

ER -