The effect of maternal–fetal attachments skills training among unintended primigravida women: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background and objectives

An unintended pregnancy can lead to an unfavorable relationship between the mother and infant and also include pregnancies that, although unintended, become wanted and may not have the same risks. This study aimed to investigate the effect of attachment training on maternal and fetal attachment in women with unintended pregnancy.

Method

This clinical trial study was conducted in 2019 on 84 women (two groups of 42 subjects) with unintended pregnancies (at least 28 weeks in the third trimester of pregnancy) in selected clinics affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Cranley’s Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS) was completed before and after the intervention in both groups; a demographic information questionnaire was filled out and written consent forms were signed before the intervention in both groups. Then, attachment training classes were conducted for 6 sessions of 90 min in the intervention group, while the control group received only routine pregnancy care. Chi-square, Fisher and independent t-test were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The mean scores of maternal–fetal attachment before attachment training in the experimental (57. 24 ± 5.03) and control groups (57.29 ± 6.96) were not significantly different (P = 0.86). Based on the results of independent t-test, the mean scores of maternal–fetal attachment after training in the intervention (66.43 ± 1.76) and control (57.14 ± 5.03) groups were significantly different (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion

The findings of this study showed the positive effect of education on the attachment behaviors of mothers with unintended pregnancies. Therefore, it is recommended that attachment skills training should be used in prenatal training programs.

Trial registration

Iran Randomized Clinical Trial Center registration IRCT20130710013940N5, Date of first trial registration: 2019.02.02.