Maternal-fetal attachment trajectories in IVF mothers during the first trimester: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE

To identify trajectories of maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) in IVF mothers during the first trimester of pregnancy, and to explore categorical predictors of subgroups demonstrating MFA trajectories.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted on 495 IVF mothers. Self-report questionnaires assessing MFA, anxiety, depression, social support, and marital satisfaction were completed at three time points: 3-4 weeks (T1), 7-8 weeks (T2), and 12-14 weeks (T3) of gestation. Repeated measurement data were analyzed and growth trajectories identified.

RESULTS

Three MFA trajectories were delineated in IVF mothers during the first trimester: low-attachment/slow-elevation group (30.9%), moderate-attachment/steady-elevation group (56.2%), and high-attachment/rapid-elevation group (12.9%). Secondary infertility (OR = 0.575, 95% CI: 0.368-0.901, p = 0.013) and higher marital satisfaction (OR = 0.941, 95% CI: 0.915-0.968, p < 0.001) were predictors for not being in the low-attachment/slow-elevation group.

CONCLUSION

Among IVF mothers with ongoing pregnancies, a subset exhibited suboptimal development of MFA during the first trimester. Marital satisfaction and infertility type may help identify those at potential risk.