Relationship between Mother-Fetus Attachment and Parenting Stress

Attachment is a stable emotional connection between mother and fetus, which is a unique phenomenon. The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship between mother-fetus attachment and parenting stress.

In this descriptive-analytical study, 250 pregnant women, referred to comprehensive health centers of Borujen University of Medical Sciences, were studied. Data were collected using fertility demographic questionnaires, standard Cranley questionnaire and standard parenting stress questionnaire; data using descriptive statistics, calculating Pearson's correlation coefficient and Spearman's correlation coefficient, independent t test, multivariate regression and analysis of variance test were analyzed.

There was a significant inverse relationship between the total score of parental stress and the total score of mother-fetal attachment and its dimensions (P<0.001). Multivariate regression indicated that the two dimensions of self-sacrifice and mother-fetus differentiation were the most predictors of parental stress. In addition, Pearson's correlation coefficient suggested that the total parental stress score had no significant relationship with demographic and fertility variables (P>0.05). The total mother-fetus attachment score had no significant relationship with demographic and fertility variables (P>0.05) and only had an inverse relationship with the number of pregnancies (P<0.05).

The findings of the research show that by increasing attachment and reducing parental stress, we can witness more parental responsibility towards the infant, thus we can expect to be accompanied by better emotional, care and health support.