Mediating role of prenatal depression in attachment and maternal-fetal attachment in primigravida in late pregnancy

Background: Prenatal depression and 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 type of attachment as well as the effects of maternal depression scores and attachment dimensions on maternal intimacy with 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. Exploratory analysis was performed to analyze the effects of depression score and attachment on MFA. Results: : The results showed that pregnant women with insecure attachment exhibited an increased prevalence of prenatal depression, lower total score of MFA and lower MFA quality compared with those women with secure attachment. Explorative analysis showed that depression score mediated the relationship between attachment avoidance and MFA quality. Conclusions: : Primigravida who had insecure attachment exhibited an increased prevalence of prenatal depression and lower MFA. Maternal depression and attachment may affect the emotional bond between a mother and fetus. This finding should be taken seriously, and early intervention needs to take personality traits into consideration.