Effects of Perceived Fetal Movement and Fetal Ultrasound Imagery on Maternal-Fetal Attachment

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of perceived fetal movement and/or viewing of the fetus by the pregnant woman via ultrasonography on maternal-fetal attachment. The 79 subjects were 16-39 years of age and in the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Subjects completed a Demographic Questionnaire and the prenatal Maternal Attachment Scale (PMAS). Pregnant women who perceived fetal movement did not score significantly higher on the PMAS than pregnant women who had not perceived fetal movement, There was no significance difference in PMAS scores before and after pregnant women viewed their fetus via ultrasonography. Pregnant women who viewed their fetus via ultrasonography scored significantly higher on the PMAS than pregnant women who had not viewed their fetus via ultrasonography. Findings of the study contribute to the knowledge and practice of nursing inasmuch as nurses are in an optimal position, through client education and anticipatory interventions, to enhance the concept of maternal-fetal attachment. Recommendations for further research were made.