Effect of childbirth self-efficacy and fear of childbirth on prenatal attachment in risky pregnancies

This study aimed to investigate the effect of childbirth self-efficacy and fear of childbirth on prenatal attachment in patients with risky pregnancies. The study was designed as descriptive and cross-sectional research. Patients with risky pregnancies hospitalized in a perinatology clinic. A total of 210 pregnant women between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation were included in the study. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory Short Version 32 (CBSEI-32), Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire, and Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI). The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 23.0 was used to analyze study data. Pregnant women had moderate levels of childbirth self-efficacy, fear of childbirth, and prenatal attachment. A statistically significant weak positive correlation was observed between the total CBSEI-32 score, its subdimensions of outcome expectancy and efficacy expectancy, and PAI score (<i>p</i> = 0.000, <i>p</i> = 0.002, <i>p</i> = 0.000, respectively). The level of childbirth self-efficacy significantly and positively influenced prenatal attachment, with an explanatory power of 10.1% (<i>F</i>_<i>(1)</i> = 23.254, <i>p</i> = 0.000). In pregnant women, as the childbirth self-efficacy level increased, their prenatal attachment level also increased. However, the level of fear of childbirth did not affect prenatal attachment. Based on these findings, healthcare professionals are recommended to provide specialized care, counseling, and support for patients with risky pregnancies to enhance the perceptions of self-efficacy, thereby improving prenatal attachment levels.