Pregnancy-related anxiety and maternal-foetal bond: Examining the influence of parental, relational and child characteristics

The maternal-foetal bond (MFB) is the affectionate relationship between a mother and unborn child, and pregnancy-related anxiety (PrA) is a specific and distinct anxiety. Both are associated with adverse maternal/infant outcomes, but few have examined their relationship. Addressing previous limitations and gaps in the literature, this study examined the relationship between PrA and MFB, and factors (i.e., partner support, pregnancy and foetal sex happiness) that may influence this relationship. The final sample (N = 470, M = 29.72, SD = 4.38) of pregnant women were recruited using a variety of strategies, including online recruitment and advertisements. The women were mainly partnered, employed and well-educated, with over half being nulliparous. The survey included measures of MFB behaviour and magnitude, PrA, moderators (i.e., partner support, pregnancy and foetal sex happiness) and demographic characteristics. Structural Equation Modelling examined PrA and the moderators as predictor variables of MFB behaviour and magnitude. Gestation and relationship status were covariates. PrA was not associated with MFB behaviour. The moderators and gestation significantly predicted MFB behaviour. No interactions were explored. PrA and all moderators and gestation predicted MFB magnitude. Interactions indicated that increased partner support or increased pregnancy happiness ameliorated the negative relationship between PrA and MFB magnitude. Notably, the absence of an interaction suggested foetal sex happiness independently and positively impacted MFB magnitude. Limitations included a restricted range for gestation and social media recruitment. The findings indicate that PrA screening may identify women at-risk of impaired MFB and provide the opportunity for targeted interventions.