Prenatal attachment, distress symptoms and psychosocial variables in a sample of Italian first-time parents

Background. The term prenatal attachment refers to the bonding that parents develop towards the unborn baby. It is considered a precursor of the care-giving system and there is evidence that it could affect the parent-child relationship. Literature provides the knowledge of predictors of poor maternal prenatal attachment. However, paternal prenatal attachment is rarely studied and few studies have investigated prenatal attachment in couples. Aim: The study aims at evaluating the relationship between prenatal attachment, distress symptoms and selected psychosocial variables in couples in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: First-time parents attending public antenatal clinics were recruited into the study. A set of questionnaires investigated: sociodemographic, psychosocial and pregnancy related variables, depression and anxiety symptoms, distress and prenatal attachment. Results: Multiple linear regression showed that the woman's worries about pregnancy, her perceived social support, age and disappointment with the child's gender were independent predictors of maternal prenatal attachment. The degree of involvement toward the fetus by the father, his perception of the partner's attitude towards him during pregnancy and the impact of distress were independent predictors of paternal prenatal attachment. The results indicate several areas amenable to intervention by healthcare professionals to support couples in the transition of parenthood.