Trastornos del vínculo con origen en la etapa perinatal. Contribuciones del psicoanálisis y la neurociencia / Bonding disorders starting in the perinatal stage. Contributions of psychoanalysis and neuroscience

Sepresentan en este artículo dos casos atendidos en un centro de salud mental infanto-juvenil (CSMIJ) en los cuales elvínculo materno filial está gravemente comprometido desde etapas prenatales. Tanto desde aportes psicoanalíticoscomo de estudios neurocientíficos actuales, se expone cómo el periodo perinatal es clave para que el bebé puedaconstruir una base emocional sana que repercutirá en su desarrollo posterior. Se subraya la importancia de destinarrecursos a la intervención precoz en mujeres gestantes o en periodo de puerperio que puedan presentar dificultadesemocionales, para fortalecer el vínculo con sus hijos e hijas y prevenir una mayor tendencia a problemas de saludmental en estos.(AU)

Thisarticle presents two cases attended in a child and adolescent mental health center (CSMIJ) in which thematernal-filial bond is severely compromised since prenatal stages. Both psychoanalytical contributions andcurrent neuroscientific studies show how the perinatal period is key for the baby to build a healthy emotionalbase that will have repercussions on its later development. The importance of allocating resources to earlyintervention in pregnant or postpartum women who may present emotional difficulties is emphasized, in orderto strengthen the bond with their children and prevent a greater tendency to mental health problems in them.(AU)

Espresenten en aquest article dos casos atesos en un centre de salut mental infantil i juvenil (CSMIJ) en què el vinclematernofilial està greument compromès des d’etapes prenatals. Tant des d’aportacions psicoanalítiques comd’estudis neurocientífics actuals, s’exposa com el període perinatal és clau perquè el nadó pugui construir unabase emocional sana que repercutirà en el desenvolupament posterior. Se subratlla la importància de destinarrecursos a la intervenció precoç en dones gestants o en període de puerperi que puguin presentar dificultatsemocionals, per enfortir el vincle amb els seus fills i filles i prevenir una tendència més gran a problemes de salutmental en aquests.(AU)

Una psicoterapia centrada en la parentalidad para tratar la psicopatología perinatal, sostener el vínculo madre-bebé y prevenir los trastornos en el niño / A psychotherapy focused on parenting to treat perinatal psychopathology, to support the mother-baby bond and to prevent disorders in the child

El embarazo y el año que sigue al parto son los períodos de la vida más propiciospara la emergencia de trastornos psicológicos en la mujer. Las consecuencias pueden convertirse en dramáticas paraella, para el vínculo con su hijo y para el desarrollo somático, social y psíquico de este último. Este artículo muestrapor qué es importante cuidar la dimensión psíquica de la parentalidad para un tratamiento eficaz de estos trastornos,a fin de que los efectos terapéuticos beneficien a la vez a la mujer, al vínculo madre-bebé y al niño. Se propone unmodelo de psicoterapia breve centrada en la parentalidad que permite intervenir desde el embarazo y luego incluir elniño en el posparto.(AU)

The pregnancy and first year following childbirth are the most conduciveperiods of life for the emergence of psychological disorders in women. The consequences can be dramatic forthem, for the bond with their child and for the child’s somatic, social and psychological development. This articleshows why it is important to take care of the psychic dimension of parenthood for an effective treatment ofthese disorders, so that the therapeutic effects benefit at the same time the woman, the mother-baby bondand the child. A model of brief psychotherapy focused on parentality is proposed, which allows to intervenefrom pregnancy and then to include the child in the postpartum period.(AU)

L’embaràs i l’any que segueix al part són els períodes de la vida més propicisper a l’emergència de trastorns psicològics en la dona. Les conseqüències poden esdevenir dramàtiques per aella, per al vincle amb el seu fill i per al desenvolupament somàtic, social i psíquic d’aquest. Aquest article mostraper què és important tenir cura de la dimensió psíquica de la parentalitat per a un tractament eficaç d’aqueststrastorns, per tal que els efectes terapèutics beneficiïn al mateix temps la dona, el vincle mare-nadó i el nen. Esproposa un model de psicoteràpia breu centrada en la parentalitat que permet intervenir des de l’embaràs idesprés incloure el nen al postpart.(AU)

Which social, gestational and mental health aspects are associated to maternal-fetal attachment? / Quais aspectos sociais, gestacionais e de saúde mental materna estão associados ao apego materno-fetal?

Abstract Objectives: this study aimed to explore a set of factors associated with lower maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) in pregnant women. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study corresponding to the second wave of a cohort study with a population-based sample of pregnant women in the South of Brazil. The maternal-fetal attachment scale (MFAS) was used to measure MFA. Bivariate analysis was performed using the t-test and ANOVA. The variables that presented p<0.20 were taken for multivariate analysis, through linear regression, in order to control possible confounding factors. Results: a total of 840 pregnant women were included. Pregnant women who had lower MFA means were those who did not live with a partner (B=-3.8 [CI95%=-6.0; -1.7]), those between the first and second trimester of pregnancy (B=-4.3 [CI95%=-5.9; -2.6]), those who did not have support from their mother during pregnancy (B=-2.4 [CI95%=-4.6; -0.2]), and those with depressive symptoms (B=-4.9 [CI95%=-7.4; -2.5]). Conclusions: the results showed that a higher MFA it is associated with an adequate support network during pregnancy, better maternal mental health, and with an advanced pregnancy. Early evaluation of MFA and effort to promote an adequate prenatal bond, focusing on maternal psychological and emotional aspects are strongly suggested.

Resumo Objetivos: explorar um conjunto de fatores associados ao menor apego materno-fetal (AMF) em gestantes. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal, correspondente à segunda fase de um estudo de coorte com uma amostra de base populacional de gestantes no sul do Brasil. Foi utilizada a Escala de Apego Materno-Fetal (EAMF) para medir o AMF. A análise bivariada foi realizada através do teste t e ANOVA. As variáveis que apresentaram p<0,20 foram levadas para análise multivariada, por meio de regressão linear, a fim de controlar possíveis fatores de confusão. Resultados: foram incluídas 840 gestantes. As gestantes que apresentaram menores médias de AMF foram aquelas que não moravam com um companheiro (B=-3,8 [IC95%=-6,0; -1,7]), que estavam entre o primeiro e o segundo trimestre de gestação (B=-4,3 [IC95%=-5,9; -2,6]), que não tiveram o apoio da mãe durante a gestação (B=-2,4 [IC95%=-4,6; -0,2]) e que apresentaram sintomas depressivos (B=-4,9 [IC95%=-7,4; -2,5]). Conclusões: os resultados mostraram que um maior AMF está associado a presença de uma rede de apoio adequada na gravidez, melhor saúde mental materna e a uma gestação avançada. A avaliação precoce do AMF e a promoção de um vínculo pré-natal adequado, com foco nos aspectos psicológicos e emocionais maternos são fortemente sugeridos.

The structure and correlates of the 20-item Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale in a population-based sample of Hungarian expectant women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at analysing the structure and reliability of the modified, 20-item Hungarian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS-HU-20), and to investigate its associations with certain demographic, pregnancy-related and psychosocial characteristics. DESIGN: A socio-demographically diverse sample of Hungarian women completed interviews in middle or late pregnancy, as part of the countrywide Cohort '18 Growing Up in Hungary study. SETTING: Data collection was carried out by local health visitors either at the family home or at the health visitor's office. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 7,315 pregnant women were included in the study; they were aged between 13 and 49, and had a mean gestational age of 30 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: In addition to the MFAS-HU-20, other paper-and-pencil scales were applied to measure perceived social support, partnership interactions, depressive and generalized anxiety symptoms, and pregnancy-related anxiety. Socio-demographic and pregnancy-related data were collected through personal interviews. FINDINGS: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported an oblique two-factor model, consisting of factors that were renamed 'Attunement' and 'Interaction'. Cronbach's alphas for these two subscales confirmed their adequate internal consistency. The age of the expectant women, their partnership status, level of education, equivalized household income and parity all had a small effect on their bonding, while gestational age and multiple pregnancy had no meaningful impact on prenatal attachment in the present study. The psychosocial characteristics of the pregnant women were weakly associated with their attachment to the fetus, regardless of the mother's level of education. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a two-factor structure of maternal-fetal attachment that reflects the distinction between the mental and behavioural aspects of this relationship. Socio-demographic background and psychosocial characteristics have a small impact on women's attachment to their fetus. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The MFAS-HU-20 seems to be a reliable and valid scale that could be utilized in prenatal research and pregnancy care. Its correlates highlight the importance of interventions aimed at providing social support for pregnant women.

Apego materno-fetal e transtornos psiquiátricos em gestantes com fetos malformados / Maternal-fetal attachment and psychiatric disorders in pregnant women with malformed fetuses

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência e os fatores associados aos sintomas de ansiedade e depressão e ao apego materno-fetal em gestantes com diagnóstico de malformações congênitas. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo de corte transversal realizado durante o período de dezembro/2019 a março/2020. Foram incluídas 77 gestantes com diagnóstico de malformação fetal atendidas no Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) e excluídas aquelas < 18 anos e as que sabiam o diagnóstico da malformação há menos de três semanas. Aplicou-se um questionário com variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, além da Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão e da Escala de Apego Materno-Fetal. Para análise estatística, foi aplicado o modelo de regressão logística multivariado com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Entre as gestantes, 46,8% possuíam sintomas ansiosos e 39%, depressivos, sendo o apego materno-fetal médio em 54,5% e alto em 45,5%. Antecedentes de ansiedade e depressão e não possuir religião foram associados a maior risco de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão, e saber da malformação há ≥ 10 semanas associou-se apenas ao risco de ansiedade e ter gestação múltipla associou-se apenas ao risco de depressão. O apego materno-fetal não foi associado a ansiedade ou depressão. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se alta prevalência de sintomas ansiosos e depressivos em gestantes com fetos malformados, além da presença de apego materno-fetal médio/alto em todas pacientes, porém sem associação com os transtornos psiquiátricos estudados. Diante disso, urge a necessidade da criação de novas linhas de cuidado voltadas à saúde mental dessas mulheres.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depression symptoms and maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women diagnosed with congenital malformations. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study conducted from December/2019 to March/2020. Seventy-seven managers with a diagnosis of fetal malformation attended at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) and those under 18 years of age who did not know the diagnosis of malformation in less than 3 weeks were excluded. Applicable to a questionnaire with clinical and sociodemographic variables, in addition to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Maternal- -Fetal Attachment Scale. For statistical analysis, the multivariate logistic regression model was applied with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Among pregnant women, 46.8% had anxiety symptoms and 39% depressive symptoms, with average maternal-fetal attachment at 54.5% and high at 45.5%. History of anxiety and depression and cannot use religion have been associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression, whereas malformation saber for ≥ 10 weeks, associated only with risk of anxiety and multiple pregnancy only in depression. Maternal-fetal attachment was not associated with anxiety or depression. CONCLUSION: If there is a high prevalence of anxious and depressive symptoms in pregnant women with malformed fetuses, in addition to the presence of medium maternal-fetal/high attachment in all patients, with no association with the studied psychiatric disorders. Therefore, request the creation of new lines of care aimed at the mental health of these women.

Postpartum bonding and association with depressive symptoms and prenatal attachment in women with fear of birth.

BACKGROUND: Co-morbidity is prevalent in women with fear of birth. Depressive symptoms and lack of prenatal attachment might influence the postpartum bonding between the mother and the new-born. AIM: To examine the underlying dimensions of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire and to investigate associations between depressive symptoms, prenatal attachment and postpartum bonding in women with fear of birth. METHODS: A longitudinal study comprising 172 women with fear of birth. Data were collected by questionnaires in mid- and late pregnancy and two months after birth. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depressive Scale, Prenatal Attachment Inventory and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire were investigated. RESULTS: Two factors of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire were identified: Factor 1 mirrored caring activities and the women's perceptions of motherhood, whereas Factor 2 reflected negative feelings towards the baby. The Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire was negatively correlated with the Prenatal Attachment Inventory and positively with The Edinburgh Postnatal Depressive Scale. Women with fear of birth and depressive symptoms both during pregnancy and postpartum showed the highest risk of impaired bonding after birth. Primiparity and being single were also associated with impaired bonding. CONCLUSION: A focus on women's mental health during pregnancy is necessary in order to avoid the negative effects of impaired bonding on the infant. Depressive symptoms could be concurrent with fear of birth and, therefore, it is important to determine both fear of birth and depressive symptoms in screening procedures during pregnancy. Caregivers who meet women during pregnancy need to acknowledge prenatal attachment and thereby influence adaptation to motherhood.

The mental health crisis of expectant women in the UK: effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on prenatal mental health, antenatal attachment and social support.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy has been shown to be times in a woman's life particularly prone to mental health issues, however a substantial percentage of mothers report subclinical perinatal mental health symptoms that go undetected. Experiences of prenatal trauma, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may exacerbate vulnerability to negative health outcomes for pregnant women and their infants. We aimed to examine the role of: 1) anxiety, depression, and stress related to COVID-19 in predicting the quality of antenatal attachment; 2) perceived social support and COVID-19 appraisal in predicting maternal anxiety and depression. METHODS: A sample of 150 UK expectant women were surveyed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions included demographics, pregnancy details, and COVID-19 appraisal. Validated measures were used to collect self-reported maternal antenatal attachment (MAAS), symptoms of anxiety (STAI), depression (BDI-II), and stress related to the psychological impact of COVID-19 (IES-r). RESULTS: We found that the pandemic has affected UK expectant mothers' mental health by increasing prevalence of depression (47%), anxiety (60%) and stress related to the psychological impact of COVID-19 (40%). Women for whom COVID-19 had a higher psychological impact were more likely to suffer from depressive (95% HDPI = [0.04, 0.39]) and anxiety symptoms (95% HPDI = [0.40, 0.69]). High depressive symptoms were associated with reduced attachment to the unborn baby (95% HPDI [-0.46, -0.1]). Whilst women who appraised the impact of COVID-19 to be more negative showed higher levels of anxiety (HPDI = [0.15, 0.46]), higher social support acted as a protective factor and was associated with lower anxiety (95% HPDI = [-0.52, -0.21]). CONCLUSIONS: The current findings demonstrate that direct experience of prenatal trauma, such as the one experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly amplifies mothers' vulnerability to mental health symptoms and impairs the formation of a positive relationship with their unborn baby. Health services should prioritise interventions strategies aimed at fostering support for pregnant women.

Maternal-fetal bonding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The pregnant population experienced unique COVID-19 physical and psychosocial stressors such as direct health concerns related to the virus and loss of access to resources since the COVID-19 emerged as a global pandemic in early 2020. Despite these COVID-19-related stress and concerns, the maternal experience of bonding with their unborn children has not been well studied. This work aimed to study the association between mental health history, current mental health symptoms, psychological factors, COVID-19-related worries, and self-reported maternal-fetal bonding of pregnant women. METHODS: This online, survey-based cross-sectional study focused on women pregnant during the pandemic and assessed 686 women using data collected from May 19, 2020 to October 3, 2020. Enrolled respondents completed assessments in which they self-reported maternal-fetal bonding, mental health symptomatology, psychological factors, and COVID-19-related worries regarding health, pregnancy, and resources. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms in pregnant women were associated with lower quality maternal-fetal bonding, while a higher level of anxiety was positively associated with bonding; however, past history of depression or generalized anxiety diagnosis did not appear to be as relevant as active symptomatology. Maternal resilience, but not distress tolerance, appeared to be a protective factor resulting in improved bonding. Higher levels of worry regarding impact of COVID-19 on health were significantly associated with improved bonding, while worries regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the pregnancy or resources were not significantly associated with bonding. The study also found associations between different sociodemographic variables and bonding, including a strong positive association between first time motherhood and bonding and a negative association between higher education and income and bonding. CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to report potential protective and risk factors to the maternal-fetal bonding process in women pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unique COVID-19 concerns exist; however, anxiety and COVID-19 concerns do not appear to undermine maternal-fetal bonding while active depressive symptomatology may negatively influence bonding; interventions increasing maternal resilience may be particularly valuable.

Pandemic stress and SARS-CoV-2 infection are associated with pathological changes at the maternal-fetal interface.

INTRODUCTION: The reported effects of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy outcomes are conflicting; studies frequently overlook the placenta, which is critical for the health of the mother and infant(s). This study aimed to determine the effect of pandemic stress ± SARS CoV-2 infection on placental histopathology. METHODS: Women were recruited in Canada (n = 69); France (n = 21) or in the UK (n = 25), between March and October 2020. Historic controls (N = 20) were also included. Placenta and fetal membrane samples were collected rapidly after delivery and were fixed and stained for histopathological analysis. Maternal demographical data and obstetric outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Over 80% of the placentas from SARS-CoV-2+ pregnancies had histopathological abnormalities: predominantly structural (71-86%) or inflammatory (9-22%), depending on geographical location. Excessive fibrin was seen in all sites, whereas deciduitis (Canada), calcifications (UK), agglutinations and chorangiosis (France) predominated in different locations. The frequency of abnormalities was significantly higher than in SARS-CoV-2 negative women (50%, p < 0.05). Demographic and obstetric data were similar in the SARS-CoV-2+ women across all sites - characterised by predominantly Black/Middle Eastern women, and women with elevated body mass index. DISCUSSION: Overall, the frequency of placental abnormalities is increased in SARS-CoV-2+ women, but the incidence of placental abnormalities is also higher in SARS-CoV-2- women that gave birth during the pandemic, which highlights the importance of appropriate control groups to ascertain the roles of pandemic stress and SARS-CoV-2 infection on the placenta and pregnancy outcomes.

Madres adolescentes de Valparaíso: Riesgo relacional, apego y síntomas depresivos en comparación a madres adultas / Teenage mothers of Valparaiso: relational risk, attachment and depressive symptoms compared to adult others

El embarazo adolescente es considerado un factor de riesgo tanto para la salud de la madre como para la de su futuro hijo por significar una doble crisis del ciclo vital, poniendo en riesgo el proceso de vinculación. Objetivos. El presente estudio busca analizar el riesgo relacional, tipo de apego y comparar la aparición de síntomas depresivos en madres adolescentes y adultas durante la gestación y en el período postparto. Métodos. Estudio prospectivo de dos cohortes de primigestas adolescentes y adultas, pertenecientes a centros de atención primaria de Valparaíso durante el año 2013. Resultados. Las madres adolescentes presentaron una mayor prevalencia de apego no seguro, mayores tasas de alto riesgo relacional materno-fetal y madre-bebé y mayor prevalencia de síntomas depresivos en comparación a madres adultas. Sin embargo, sólo la diferencia en la prevalencia de apego no seguro entre ambas cohortes fue estadísticamente significativa.

Teenage pregnancy is considered a risk factor for both the mother and her child's health and wellbeing. It can be hypothesized that going through a double psychological crisis might be harmful to the development of a secure relationship of attachment in the dyad. Objectives. This investigation seeks to analyze relational risks, attachment styles, and to compare the prevalence of depressive symptoms between teenage mothers and adult mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. Methods. An observational prospective cohort study was carried out, considering primiparous mothers, both teenage and adults, who attended primary public healthcare centers in Valparaíso during 2013. Results: In comparison to adult mothers, teenage mothers were more likely to exhibit insecure attachment styles, depressive symptoms in pregnancy and postpartum, and scored higher in the relational risk assessment scale. However, only the difference on the rate of insecure attachment styles between teenage and adult mothers was statistically significant.

Maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant Italian women: multidimensional influences and the association with maternal caregiving in the infant's first year of life.

BACKGROUND: Maternal-Fetal Attachment (MFA) describes the cognitive-representational, emotional, and behavioral aspects of the mother-fetus relationship that develops during pregnancy. We present two studies conducted on pregnant Italian women. In Study I, we aimed to explore multifaceted associations of MFA with variables important for a healthy pregnancy (e.g., maternal mental health, the couple's relationship). In Study II, we investigated the predictive role of MFA on observed maternal caregiving during the first months of the infant's life. METHODS: In Study I, 113 pregnant Italian women were assessed on MFA (Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, MAAS), maternal depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II, BDI-II), maternal anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory - State version, STAI), adjustment of the couple (Dyadic Adjustment Scale, DAS), and perceived parental care (The Parental Bonding Instrument, PBI). In Study II, 29 mother-infant pairs were followed up at 4 months to assess observational variables of maternal caregiving through the Emotional Availability Scale (EAS) and to test for an association with MFA in pregnancy. RESULTS: Study I showed a significant association between MFA and the quality of the couple relationship (ß = .49, P < .001) and between MFA and the recall of memories of care received in childhood (ß = .22, P = .025). Study II showed a predictive effect of MFA on maternal structuring observed during mother-infant interactions at 4 months of age (ß = 0.36, P = .046). CONCLUSION: The study points out relevant relationship contexts that might receive care and support throughout pregnancy to protect MFA. The findings also provide thoughtful insights on the role of MFA in early maternal caregiving, suggesting that MFA might be a candidate as one putative antecedent of mother-infant interaction processes.

Fetal movement counting is associated with the reduction of delayed maternal reaction after perceiving decreased fetal movements: a prospective study.

Maternal perception of decreased fetal movement is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Although there have been several studies on interventions related to the fetal movements count, most focused on adverse perinatal outcomes, and little is known about the impact of the fetal movement count on maternal behavior after the perception of decreased fetal movement. We investigated the impact of the daily fetal movement count on maternal behavior after the perception of decreased fetal movement and on the stillbirth rate in this prospective population-based study. Pregnant women in Shiga prefecture of Japan were asked to count the time of 10 fetal movements from 34 weeks of gestation. We analyzed 101 stillbirths after the intervention compared to 121 stillbirths before the intervention. In multivariable analysis, maternal delayed visit to a health care provider after the perception of decreased fetal movement significantly reduced after the intervention (aOR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11-0.83). Our regional stillbirth rates in the pre-intervention and post-intervention periods were 3.06 and 2.70 per 1000 births, respectively. Informing pregnant women about the fetal movement count was associated with a reduction in delayed maternal reaction after the perception of decreased fetal movement, which might reduce stillbirths.

The mediating role of prenatal depression in adult attachment and maternal-fetal attachment in primigravida in the third trimester.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal depression and adult attachment are factors that affect the establishment of an intimate relationship between a mother and fetus. The study explored differences in prenatal depression and maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) scores between different types of adult attachment and the effects of maternal depression scores and attachment dimensions on maternal intimacy with the fetus. METHODS: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Experience of Close Relationship (ECR) scale, Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) and a general data scale were used to investigate 260 primigravida. An exploratory analysis was performed to analyze the effects of the depression score and adult attachment on MFA. RESULTS: The results showed that pregnant women with insecure attachment exhibited an increased prevalence of prenatal depression, lower total MFA scores, and lower MFA quality compared with those women with secure adult attachment. The explorative analysis showed that the depression scores mediated the relationship between adult attachment avoidance and MFA quality. CONCLUSIONS: Primigravida who had insecure adult attachment exhibited an increased prevalence of prenatal depression and lower MFA. Maternal depression and adult attachment may affect the emotional bond between a mother and fetus. This finding should be seriously considered, and timely intervention needs to take personality traits into consideration.

What factors are most important for the development of the maternal-fetal relationship? A prospective study among pregnant women in Danish general practice.

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 (R2) calculated from multivariable regression models. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 1328 women. Low antenatal attachment (Total MAAS ≤ 75) was observed for 513 (38.6%) women. Perceived social support (having someone to talk to and having access to practical help when needed) emerged as the most important determinant. Furthermore, scores on the MAAS decreased with worse self-rated health, poor physical fitness, depression, increasing age, having given birth previously, and higher education. CONCLUSION: 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.

Sentimentos maternos frente ao óbito perinatal / Maternal feelings in face of perinatal death / Sentimento maternal frente para muerte perinatal

Objetivo: compreender os sentimentos maternos frente à morte perinatal. Método: estudo qualitativo de natureza interpretativa, com 23 mulheres que vivenciariam a perda de um filho no período perinatal no ano de 2015, no município de Ponta Grossa/ Paraná. A análise dos dados se deu pela Análise de conteúdo na perspectiva de Bardin. Resultados: após a análise das informações emergiram duas categorias de contexto, "Sentimentos maternos frente à morte" e "Quem vê minha dor". Sentimentos como raiva, medo, choque, desespero e tristeza profunda se fizeram presentes. Toda mãe demanda de um tempo para encontrar um significado a sua perda e então reestruturar a vida e o seu papel na família e na sociedade. Conclusão: é de extrema importância criar redes de apoio capacitadas para atender essas mães e ajudar nesse processo difícil

Objective: to understand maternal feelings towards perinatal death. Method: qualitative study of an interpretative nature, with 23 women who would experience the loss of a child in the perinatal period in 2015, in the municipality of Ponta Grossa / Paraná. Data analysis was done through Content Analysis from the perspective of Bardin. Results: after analyzing the information, two context categories emerged, "Maternal feelings towards death" and "Who sees my pain". Feelings such as anger, fear, shock, despair and deep sadness were present. Every mother demands time to find meaning in her loss and then restructure life and her role in the family and society. Conclusion: it is extremely important to create support networks capable of serving these mothers and helping in this difficult process

Objetivo: comprender los sentimientos maternos hacia la muerte perinatal. Método: estudio cualitativo de carácter interpretativo, con 23 mujeres que experimentarían la pérdida de un hijo en el período perinatal en 2015, en el municipio de Ponta Grossa / Paraná. El análisis de datos se realizó a través del análisis de contenido desde la perspectiva de Bardin. Resultados: después de analizar la información, surgieron dos categorías de contexto, "Sentimientos maternos hacia la muerte" y "Quién ve mi dolor". Sentimientos como ira, miedo, conmoción, desesperación y profunda tristeza estaban presentes. Cada madre exige tiempo para encontrar el significado de su pérdida y luego reestructurar la vida y su papel en la familia y la sociedad. Conclusión: es extremadamente importante crear redes de apoyo capaces de servir a estas madres y ayudar en este difícil proceso

The relationship between digital media use during pregnancy, maternal psychological wellbeing, and maternal-fetal attachment.

The widespread accessibility and use of the internet provides numerous opportunities for women to independently seek out pregnancy-related information and social and emotional support during the antenatal period. Given the heightened psychological vulnerability of the pregnancy period there is a critical need to examine digital media use within the context of the feelings that women have about themselves and towards their fetus. The current study examined the relationship between digital media use during pregnancy, psychological wellbeing and their maternal-fetal attachment using an online survey. Forty-eight pregnant women completed a self-report questionnaire on their reasons for using digital media, and standardised measures of self-criticism, negative affect, social quality of life (QOL), and maternal-fetal attachment. The mean age of participants was 29.4 years (SD = 5.26), with a mean of 24.3 weeks gestation (SD = 9.95). Information seeking, emotional support and social support were highly endorsed reasons for digital media use (85.42%, 66.67%, 62.5% respectively). However, digital media use was positively correlated with negative affect (p = .003) and self-criticism (p < .001). Digital media use was also negatively correlated with QOL (p = .007). There was no evidence of a relationship between digital media use and maternal-fetal attachment (p = .330). Digital environments may be an important social context within which a pregnant woman develops her own maternal identity and knowledge. There are a number of benefits and limitations of this medium for providing information and support for women during pregnancy. Enhancing the opportunities to promote pregnant women's wellbeing in this context is an important avenue for further research and practice.

The association of maternal-fetal attachment with smoking and smoking cessation during pregnancy in The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Smoking in pregnancy constitutes a preventable risk factor for fetal/child development and maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) seems to contain a momentum that can break the chain of adverse outcomes by promoting maternal prenatal health practices. This study aimed to explore the association of MFA with smoking at any time during pregnancy and smoking cessation in early pregnancy, and the modifying role of MFA on the expected effects of education and prenatal psychological distress (PPD) on prenatal smoking behavior. METHODS: The pregnant women (n = 3766) participated in the The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study in Finland between December 2011 and April 2015. The binary outcomes, smoking at any time during pregnancy and smoking cessation in early pregnancy, were obtained from self-reports at gestational weeks (gwks) 14 and 34 and The Finnish Medical Birth Register. MFA was assessed with the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS) at gwks 24 and 34. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between MFA and maternal prenatal smoking behavior. FINDINGS: The prevalence of smoking was 16.5%, and 58.1% of the smokers quit smoking during pregnancy. The independent associations of total MFA scores with prenatal smoking behavior were not established (aOR = 1.00-1.02, multiplicity adjusted p > 0.05). A higher score in the altruistic subscale of MFA, Giving of self, associated with a higher probability of smoking cessation (24 gwks: aOR = 1.13, 95% CI [1.04, 1.24], p = 0.007, multiplicity adjusted p = 0.062; 34 gwks: aOR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.07, 1.29], p < 0.001, multiplicity adjusted p = 0.008). The modifying effect of MFA on the observed associations between PPD and smoking in pregnancy and between maternal education and smoking in pregnancy / smoking cessation in early pregnancy was not demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The altruistic dimension of maternal-fetal attachment associates with an increased probability of smoking cessation during pregnancy and therefore strengthening altruistic maternal-fetal attachment may constitute a promising novel approach for interventions aiming at promoting smoking cessation during pregnancy.

Maternal-fetal bonding among pregnant women at psychosocial risk: The roles of adult attachment style, prenatal parental reflective functioning, and depressive symptoms.

Pregnancy offers a unique period for initiating preventive parenting interventions. Disturbances in maternal-fetal bonding may indicate suboptimal parenting and a need for intervention. However, more knowledge is needed on the development of maternal-fetal bonding among at-risk groups. The study aim was to examine psychosocial correlates of maternal-fetal bonding among pregnant women identified to be at risk socially and regarding their mental health. The sample consisted of 78 at-risk pregnant women participating in a perinatal intervention study: Godt på Vej Sammen [A Good Start to Life-an Early Cross-sectorial Intervention]. This study was cross-sectional reporting on the baseline characteristics of the participants. In the beginning of the second trimester, participants completed questionnaires assessing maternal-fetal bonding (the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale [MAAS]), prenatal parental reflective functioning, adult attachment style, and depressive symptoms. We compared the distribution of MAAS styles with norms from a recent Dutch community sample. In addition, we tested associations between psychosocial variables and the quality and intensity of MAAS scores in regression models and performed Chi-square analyses to assess the association of MAAS styles with psychosocial variables. First, compared to women from a community sample, approximately half of the women in our sample presented lower and suboptimal MAAS scores. Second, insecure avoidant adult attachment style was negatively associated with MAAS intensity, and depressive symptoms were negatively associated with MAAS quality. Third, prenatal parental reflective functioning positively correlated with both quality and intensity of MAAS. Fourth, we found no association between insecure anxious adult attachment style and MAAS scores. Fifth, women with a negative disinterested MAAS style demonstrated the highest avoidant attachment scores, while women with a positively preoccupied MAAS style demonstrated the highest prenatal parental reflective functioning scores. The results suggest that there is a need to differentiate among at-risk pregnant woman and that prenatal screening using the MAAS may help identify those who need preventive parenting interventions and what those interventions should focus on. A main limitation of the study is the lack of a representative group of at-risk pregnant women which limits the generalizability of the study results to all risk groups.

Psychological factors and maternal-fetal attachment in relation to epidural choice.

INTRODUCTION: A woman's first childbirth is an event of great importance to her life, involving her transition to parenthood. Many studies have analyzed the roles of depression, anxiety and fear of childbirth linked to childbirth expectations and the consequent choice of an epidural to avoid pain. Few studies have investigated the predictor role of maternal-fetal attachment on the choice of epidural. OBJECTIVE: Explore, in a sample of low-risk pregnant nulliparous women, differences regarding the preference, or not, of epidural for vaginal childbirth. DESIGN AND SETTING: 87 nulliparous women, aged 24 to 44 years of age, were recruited in the maternity ward of a public hospital of the metropolitan area of Tuscany (Italy) during the 3rd trimester of gestation. Participants were asked to complete the Pregnancy Related Anxiety Questionnaire-R, Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire, Centrality of Events Scale, and Prenatal Attachment Inventory. FINDINGS: Multivariate analyses of variance showed that women who chose delivery without epidural reported lower levels of fear of childbirth and anxiety, and higher levels of centrality of pregnancy and prenatal attachment to unborn child, than women who chose epidural. KEY CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight the importance that medical staff focus on the maternal bond, to help future mothers have the best possible childbirth experience.

Maternal depression in Latinas and child socioemotional development: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Although substantial research exists on the debilitating effects of maternal depression on child development, little is known about Latina mothers with depression and their young children within the broader context of sociocultural and economic stressors. OBJECTIVES: What is the relationship between maternal depression in Latina mothers and their children's socioemotional outcomes through early developmental windows (0-5 years)? METHODS: We searched electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO in this systematic review, pre-registered via PROSPERO (CRD42019128686). Based on pre-determined criteria, we identified 56 studies and included 15 in the final sample. After extracting data, we assessed study quality with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. RESULTS: We found inverse correlations between maternal depression and child socioemotional outcomes; furthermore, we found evidence of a moderating and mediating role of maternal depression between contextual stressors and child outcomes. Children of U.S.-born Latina mothers had poorer developmental outcomes than children of foreign-born Latina mothers across socioemotional domains and throughout early developmental windows. CONCLUSIONS: Future research must examine underlying mechanisms for the potential Latino paradox in young Latino children's socioemotional outcomes. Policies should support mental health of Latina mothers as early as the prenatal period.