Prenatal attachment, foetal health locus of control and influencing factors in pregnancy

• Published in: International journal of nursing practice Vol. 29; no. 2; pp. e13132 - n/a
• Main Authors: Bay, Habibe, Akyüz, Mahide Demirelöz, Hadımlı, Aytül Pelik, Kazandi, Mert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-04-2023
• Subjects: Attachment; Cross-Sectional Studies; Education; Educational Status; Female; Fetuses; foetal health; Health; Humans; Infants; Internal-External Control; Locus of control; Maternity services; Mothers; Policy making; Postpartum women; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; prenatal attachment; Prenatal Care; prenatal period; Women's education; Womens health; prenatal attachment; locus of control; pregnancy; prenatal period; foetal health
• ISSN: 1322-7114; 1440-172X
• DOI: 10.1111/ijn.13132

Aim
The aim of this study was to determine prenatal attachment and foetal health locus of control in pregnant women and factors affecting these parameters.
Methods
This cross‐sectional study was conducted with 156 pregnant women (77 low‐risk and 79 high‐risk pregnancies). The study was carried out between August 2015 and February 2016. The data collection instruments included a Participant Information Form, the Prenatal Attachment Inventory and the Foetal Health Locus of Control Scale.
Results
Pregnant women's education and foetal health locus of control levels had positive and significant effects on prenatal attachment, and education had an effect on foetal health locus of control. Foetal health locus of control explained 6.3% of the total variance in prenatal attachment levels.
Conclusion
As the educational statuses of pregnant women affected their prenatal attachment and foetal health locus of control, information, counselling and care should be prioritized for women with low education levels, in line with their needs. This is particularly important in terms of improving the control of pregnant women with lower prenatal attachment levels or internal locus of control over foetal health.
Summary statement
What is already known about this topic?
The first relationship established with the baby in the prenatal period is the bond between the pregnant woman and the foetus.
The pregnancy process is of critical importance for women to develop motherhood roles and to establish their bond with the newborn immediately in the postpartum period.
There is a limited number of studies on prenatal attachment, foetal health locus of control and influencing factors that reflect only certain populations.
What this paper adds (research findings/key new information)?
Prenatal attachment is a significant predictor of foetal health locus of control.
The education levels of pregnant women affect both prenatal attachment and foetal health locus of control.
The implications of this paper (how findings influence or can be used to change policy/practice/research/education)
Periconceptional care should be given priority in maternity services.
In order for the expectant mother to control the pregnancy process, her internal locus of control should be developed and strengthened.