Maternal and fetal attachment before birth: Trends in pregnant women of urban Karachi

Background: Maternal-fetal attachment is a multidimensional phenomenon and product of diverse physiological, psychological, and socio-emotional factors. The prenatal period is crucial in forming this bond and further predicts postnatal attachment.Methodology: The present research was conducted using a cross-sectional survey design. Sixty-six participants filled out the survey regarding practices, perceptions, and attitudes toward maternal-fetal attachment after attending an online session on "Talking to the Baby in the Womb."Results: Analysis revealed that participants talk to their baby in their tummy. Wondering when the baby starts thinking, feeling, and hearing within also aids in forming a maternal-fetal relationship. A statistically significant difference (p=0.013) was found between HCP and PW in terms of attitude towards feeding the baby and perception of a mother giving up on the baby (p=0.04).Conclusion: The following research allows us to study the differences in the practices between healthcare providers and pregnant women so that interventions can be designed accordingly.