Title of the study: “Effect of fetus targeted maternal activities on feto-maternal attachment among pregnant women in selected tertiary care hospital of Bhopal – A randomized Controlled Trial”.

Background of the study:

 The maternal-fetal attachment is the emotional bond that develops between a pregnant woman and her developing foetus. It involves feelings of affection, connection, and concern for the wellbeing of the developing foetus, fostering a strong maternal connection even before birth. (Wulff V 2021 et. al.)⁽¹⁾

 Low maternal-foetal attachment, can contribute to various problems. It may impact the emotional and psychological well-being of both the mother and the developing foetus. Issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression can arise, potentially affecting prenatal care, birth outcomes, and the overall health of the child. (Glover V 2017 et.al.)⁽²⁾

The development of maternal–fetal attachment greatly affects the postnatal child-care environment and child development. It may influence mother–infant attachment after delivery and the maternal ability to care for the infant. (Glover V 2017 et.al.)⁽²⁾

NEED AND PURPOSE:

 In India, in which the mortality rate for women is 97 per 100,000 live births and the neonatal mortality rate is 20 deaths per 1,000 live births. (WH0,2020)

 Feto-maternal attachment is vital for the emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing of both the mother and the fetus. It sets the foundation for a positive pregnancy experience and can contribute to healthier outcomes for both during pregnancy and after childbirth. ( Nishikawa M 2013 et. al.)⁽⁴⁾

 Healthy feto-maternal attachment may serve to allow women to adopt optimal health practices earlier, thereby on a larger scale contribute toward reduction of obstetric maternal and child morbidity and mortality.

In response to that strong evidence base for feto-maternal attachment there is need to took that study.

Objectives of the study:

1.To assess the feto-maternal attachment among pregnant women.

 2.To determine the effect of fetus targeted maternal activities on feto-maternal attachment among pregnant women.

3.To find out the association between feto-maternal attachment and selected socio demographic variables among pregnant women.

HYPOTHESIS:

H01: There is no significant difference in feto-maternal attachment at 0.05 level of significance.

H02: There is no significant association between feto-maternal attachment and selected socio demographic variables at 0.05 level of significance.

OPERNATIONAL DEFINITIONS:

 Effect: In Present study it refers to the extent to which fetus targeted maternal activities has an impact on the feto-maternal attachment among pregnant women will be assessed by structured tools and records.

 Fetus targeted maternal activities: It is structured interventions designed by the researcher midwife which involve the following activities:

 1. Maternal touch to sense the fetal movements in the womb by touching the abdomen (at three areas that is Upper abdomen (10 minutes), Left and Right lateral side (10 minutes), Lower abdomen (10 minutes)) for 30 minutes a day.

2. Positive affirmations sentences focusing on the fetal well-being and positive health outcome after the delivery.

Feto-maternal attachment: In present study it refers to the emotional bond that develops between a pregnant woman and her developing fetus. It involves feelings of affection, connection, and concern for the wellbeing of the developing fetus, fostering a strong maternal connection even before birth. It will be measured by the Standardized scale (Maternal antenatal attachment scale)

Pregnant women: In the present study, it refers to primigravida women who has crossed or is at 28 weeks of gestation but less than 33 weeks of gestation.

Material and methods:

Research Approach: Quantitative, true experimental.

Research design: Prospective Randomized Control Trial.

Research Variables:

Independent Variable: Fetus targeted maternal activities.

Dependent Variable: Feto-maternal attachment.

Research setting: Antenatal OPD of selected tertiary care hospital in Central India, AIIMS Bhopal.

POPULATION:

â–ªTarget population: Pregnant women who has crossed or is at 28 weeks of gestation but less than 33 weeks of gestation visiting Antenatal OPD.

â–ª Accessible population: Pregnant women who has crossed or is at 28 weeks of gestation but is less than 33 weeks of gestation visiting Antenatal OPD of selected tertiary care hospital in Bhopal.

â–ª Sample Population: Pregnant women who has crossed or is at 28 weeks of gestation but is less than 33 weeks of gestation vising Antenatal OPD of selected tertiary care hospital in Bhopal and present at the time of data collection.

• SAMPLE

☐ INCLUSION CRITERIA

Include Primigravida women who is:

â–ªWilling to participate

â–ªabove the age of 18 years

â–ªavailable at the time of data collection.

â–ªat, or crossed 28 weeks gestation with normal course of pregnancy.

â–ªpossessing a smart phone

☐ EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Include Pregnant women who:

â–ªHas medical & surgical complication which might complicate the pregnancy.

â–ªIs diagnosed with any psychological disorder.

â–ªHave crossed 32 weeks+6 days of gestation.

DESCRIPTION OF TOOL

 It consists of 2 sections:

ʉۢ Section 1:

o Part A - Demographic variable Performa

 o Part B - Clinical variable Performa

• Section 2: Maternal antenatal attachment scale (Standardized tool and available in Open Domain).

 Creator Condon, John T. (2015)

Description: The Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) is a 19 item self-report questionnaire for the assessment of mother-to-infant attachment during the antenatal period.