Evidence that prenatal care visit experiences influence perceptions of the child

Parents' descriptions of their baby prenatally are associated with later caregiving behavior and attachment. We present two studies to investigate the role of prenatal care visits in shaping prenatal perceptions. In Study 1, 320 pregnant people provided a description of their baby, and at a follow-up (n = 173) reported on their toddler's behavioral and emotional difficulties. Descriptors attributed to prenatal care visit experiences, versus other sources, had a more negative tone. More negative descriptions were prospectively associated with greater child difficulties. In Study 2, 161 people reported on the personality of a baby following an imagined prenatal care visit, in which participants were randomly assigned to conditions differing in statements made by the healthcare provider. Provider statements were associated with differences in perceptions of the fetus. Our findings provide evidence that prenatal care experiences influence perceptions of a child's personality prior to birth, with potential consequences for later child functioning.