Relationship Between Maternal Fetal Attachment and State Anxiety of Pregnant Women in the Preterm Labor

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The Purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between maternal fetal attachment and state anxiety for pregnant women in preterm labor. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 56 pregnant women in preterm labor on C hospital. The data were analyzed using SPSS computer program that includes descriptive statistics, mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe? test and Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Age distribution was 30~39 years of age. Mean score of maternal fetal attachment was 91.50. The group whose planned pregnancy was highest showed higher maternal fetal attachment. The primigravida group showed high maternal fetal attachment. Most frequently practiced attachment item was "I'm really looking forward to seeing what the baby looks like". The next was was "I enjoy watching my tummy jiggle as the baby kicks inside". There was no difference in degree of anxiety by general and obstetrical characteristics. There was statistically significant of negative correlation between maternal fetal attachment and state anxiety for pregnant women with preterm labor. CONCLUSION: Findings provide useful information for further studies in reducing anxiety and intervention programs relating to pregnancy and preterm labor. To increase maternal fetal attachment of pregnant women with preterm labor, it is necessary to standardize prenatal education program.