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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Mood Disorders | Research article

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

Authors: Ling Zhang, Lei Wang, Qiuyu Yuan, Cui Huang, Shu Cui, Kai Zhang, Xiaoqin Zhou

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

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.

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Title: The mediating role of prenatal depression in adult attachment and maternal-fetal attachment in primigravida in the third trimester
Authors: Ling Zhang
Lei Wang
Qiuyu Yuan
Cui Huang
Shu Cui
Kai Zhang
Xiaoqin Zhou
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-021-03779-5

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Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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