The relationship of prenatal attachment level to traumatic childbirth perception and posttraumatic stress in pregnancy

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the extent of prenatal attachment and traumatic childbirth perception (TCP) and posttraumatic stress. Methods A total of 308 pregnant women admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department during a period of 6 months were applied a Personal Information Form, the Prenatal Attachment Inventory, the Traumatic Childbirth Perception Scale, and the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale, Self-Report version. Results There was a negative correlation between TCP and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Traumatic stress decreased with increasing prenatal attachment. Conclusion Consequently, a negative correlation was found between prenatal attachment and PTSD.