Maternal and paternal attachment in planned and unplanned pregnancies during the prenatal period

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate maternal and paternal attachment in planned versus unplanned pregnancies.Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at the pregnancy information clinic and gynecology clinic in the Çerkezköy district of Tekirdağ province from March 2022 to March 2023. The sample size was calculated to be 360 participants, consisting of 180 pregnant women and 180 prospective fathers, using a known population sampling method. Data collection tools included a Descriptive Information Form, the Prenatal Attachment Scale (PAS), and the Intrauterine Father Attachment Scale (IFAS).Results: The mean PAS score was 96.62±2.62 for planned pregnancies and 76.86±17.72 for unplanned pregnancies. The mean IFAS score for prospective fathers was 76.70±8.09 for planned pregnancies and 69.04±6.99 for unplanned pregnancies. A statistically significant difference was observed between planned and unplanned pregnancies concerning mean PAS and IFAS scores.Conclusion: Planned pregnancies positively influence maternal and paternal attachment. We recommend developing institutional protocols to foster healthy prenatal and paternal attachment, which is essential for raising healthy generations.

Keywords

• pregnancy
• maternal attachment
• paternal attachment
• father-child relationship
• mother-infant relations