Effect of group counseling on maternal fetal attachment in women with unplanned pregnancy

Not Applicable

• Conditions: maternal fetal attachment.

• Registration Number: IRCT20161230031662N5
• Lead Sponsor: Karaj University of Medical Sciences

Brief Summary

Background and purpose: Improving the emotional relationship between mother and fetus, especially in unwanted pregnancy, is associated with many positive consequences for mother and child. Therefore, the present study aimed at determining the effect of group counseling on maternal-fetal attachment in mothers with unwanted pregnancy. Methodology: This study was a randomized clinical trial. Samples were 80 mothers with unwanted pregnancy who referred to health centers of Karaj during 28 to 34 weeks who were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention (N = 40) and control group (N = 40). In the intervention group, four weekly group counseling sessions were held to create maternal-fetal attachment and the control group received routine care. General Health Questionnaire and Cranley questionnaire were used to assess the attachment of mother to fetus before and two weeks after counseling. Comparison of maternal-fetal attachment scores between the two groups and between the groups was done by student’s t-test and paired t-test. Covariance analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of intervention and the degree of pregnancy. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22. Findings: There were no significant difference between the two groups in terms of general health scores and attachment of mother to fetus before intervention, but after the intervention, the mean scores of maternal-fetal attachment in the intervention group had a significant difference with the control group (p<0.001); ANCOVA test indicated that attachment scores was significant in terms of intervention and pregnancy group. Maternal-fetal attachment scores in the primiparous group has increased more than multiparous group (p=0.041). Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of group counseling in improving maternal-fetal attachment in unwanted pregnancy, it can be used in prenatal care. Keywords: Maternal-fetal attachment, attachment behaviors, unwanted pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy, group counseling

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Results First Posted: 1900-01-01
• Last Update Posted: 23 April 2019

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: Complete
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 80

Inclusion Criteria

Aged 18 to 35 years old
Premature birth and unwanted pregnancy
Having at least guidance literacy
Single pregnancy
Not having abuse and drug addiction
Gestational age between 28 and 34 weeks
Living with spouse

Exclusion Criteria

Having underlying medical illnesses
Complications such as bleeding, diabetes, hypertension and early delivery
Severe psychological problems
Absence of mother to receive 2 consecutive consultations
Unwillingness to continue attending meetings
Twin

Study & Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Maternal fetal attachment. Timepoint: before intervention, 2 weeks after intervention. Method of measurement: cranley questinnaire.