OSRA Grant Cycle 5 Public Reports : Project Title: Coping with prenatal bereavement and perceived stress in current pregnancy: correlates to parental perception of the child and bonding at 6 months

This study reveals a significant connection between prenatal bonding or attachment during pregnancy and various factors such as maternal age, anxiety, and stress, including those attributed to specific events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, studies indicate a strong correlation between prenatal attachment and post-natal attachment, with prenatal attachment even leading to a decrease in post-partum maternal anxiety. Nevertheless, suffering a miscarriage presents a distressing event for parents, causing feelings of anxiety, shame, and personal failure, especially in mothers. These emotional responses are often linked to anxieties about future pregnancies and losses. Research has also shown that mothers who have experienced previous prenatal loss tend to have lower prenatal attachment scores, possibly due to the inverse relationship between prenatal maternal mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, or stress) and the ability to develop a positive relationship with the child, both before and after birth. The couple's relationship quality also plays a significant role, with secure romantic attachment positively influencing prenatal attachment and promoting resilience in times of stress, while avoidant or anxious romantic attachment can lead to lower prenatal bonding and increased pregnancy-related worries.