This study aimed to determine possible differences in the maternal-fetal attachment behavior and in the levels of anxiety and depression during the second trimester of pregnancy in women with or without pregnancy complications. Twenty-five women with normal, healthy pregnancy and 23 with high-risk pregnancy, among which there were 4 with malformed fetuses, participated in this study. The Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory and Depression Inventory were used. The results showed no differences in the levels of maternal-fetal attachment between the two groups of pregnant women investigated; both had maximum values. The anxiety and depression levels were higher, but not statistically significant, between the women with high-risk pregnancies, especially in those with suspected fetal malformation. It was concluded that the harsh reality faced by these mothers leads to higher levels of anxiety and depression; however, it does not prevent the development of attachment between them and their babies.
Anxiety; Depression; Pregnancy; Maternal-fetal relations
