Comparison of Maternal Fetal Attachment between Primgravidas and Multigravidas Women with Past History of Fetal or Neonatal Death

Although pregnancy is one of the loveliest events in the developmental processes of a woman's life, history of previous fetal or neonatal death may have a negative effect on the adaptation of woman for her new pregnancy. It can also have a major influence on development of emotional distress in the attachment between mother and her fetus. This study has been done to assess and compare maternal fetal attachment of primgravidas and multigravidas women with past history of fetal or neonatal death which haven't had living child. One hundred and twenty literate Iranian pregnant volunteer women with the ages of 20-40 years were selected by non-randomized sampling method [sequential] during their 3rd trimester of planned current pregnancy. Forty samples didn't have living child, had past history of fetal or neonatal death and 80 samples were primigravidas. The tools of this study that filled in by samples had two main parts of personal demographic and "maternal fetal attachment scale [MFAS]. A statistically significant difference was found in 5 subscales of the MFAS between the primigravidas and multigravidas women with past history of fetal or neonatal death. The average score of every subscales of maternal fetal attachment in primigravidas women was higher in comparison with multigravidas women. The independent t-test also showed a statistically significant difference between average of total score of maternal fetal attachment between two groups [P=0.000]. Due to lesser maternal fetal attachment in the multigravidas women with past history of fetal or neonatal death it is necessary to plan supportive, educational, and counseling program for this vulnerable group. The researchers suggest replicating the study during the first and second trimester of pregnancy and postpartum period of women with past history of fetal or neonatal death and also, in clients referred to the other clinics

Sexual health status among mentally III women

Sexual health of mentally ill women is of great importance due to personal and common health issues [both physically and mentally] mentally ill women faced to. The main purpose of the present study was to describe sexual health status among mentally ill women admitted to Razi psychiatric hospital, Tehran, during the years 2001-2003. This was a descriptive study with a sample of 580 adult mentally ill women with positive history of admission in psychiatric hospital. The researchers reviewed hospital charts of the participants and completed data sheets. 28.7% of participants had multiple sexual partner 3.4% had exchanged sex for money, goods or a place for living. Also, 6.7% had a history of rape and 5.3% of them had a positive history of homosexuality. 33% of the participants had at least one sexual risk factor for transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV. Considering high percentage of sexual risk factors associated with transmission of infections such as HIV among mentally ill women, health managers should pay particular attention for improvement of mentally ill women's sexual health care. The study of barriers to sexual health care in this population is suggested

[Correlation between low birth weight and stressful life events]

Low birth weight is one of the risk factors associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality. The relationship between stressful life events and low birth weight is not well documented. To determine the association between low birth weight and stressful life events. This was a correlational study with a continuous sampling method. A total of 1182 mothers with singleton pregnancy, between 37 to 42 weeks of gestation with no pregnancy complications/ or known physical or psychological disorders and with low birth weight babies were investigated. Data were collected using SRRS questionnaires combined with interviews at two state run delivery rooms in Qum, southeast of Tehran, Iran. Statistically, chi square test, exact Fisher test, Mantel-Haenszel and stepwise logistic regression were used in analyzing the data. Our findings were indicative of the presence of a statistically significant correlation between low birth weight and change in frequency of domestic arguments [p=0.003], beginning or ending of school course [p=0.000], and also school change [p=0.02]. no significant association between the low birth weight and the number and intensity of stresses was established. Based on data found in present study, educational and counseling programs for pregnant women to ease their hardships in facing unpleasant events and also improving their coping abilities against stressful situations is suggested

Comparison of maternal anxiety between primigravid women and pregnant women with the history of previous fetal or neonatal death

Pregnancy is a significant event for pregnant women who need to adapt physiologically and psychologically, though it is a normal phase of a woman's life. In addition, previous history of fetal or neonatal death can have a negative effect on the adaptation, and this experience can also increase maternal anxiety during pregnancy that may produce adverse effects. The aim of this study was to assess and compare maternal anxiety in primgravid women and pregnant women with the history of previous fetal or neonatal death. A descriptive comparative design with multistage sampling method [sequential] was used. One hundred and twenty Iranian, literate pregnant women, who were in their 3 rd trimester of current pregnancy with [20 - 40 years old age] were selected. Forty subjects had previous history of fetal or neonatal death [without any live child] and 80 of them were primigravid. The data collection tool, had two main parts: personal characteristics, and pregnancy outcomes questionnaire [POQ, Theut et al 1988]. In this study, t-test showed, there was a significant difference between the two groups regarding maternal anxiety during pregnancy [P=0.001]. The mean score of maternal anxiety in the pregnant women with previous fetal or neonatal death was more than primigravid women [P<0.001]. Accord in to the study findings and due to the increase of anxiety level in the pregnant women with previous history of fetal or neonatal death, it seems that it would be necessary to plan supportive, educational and counseling programs for this high risk group of women. It is suggested that further studies should be conducted during trimesters of pregnancy and postpartum period in clients