Attachment in fetal imaging V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Maternal and paternal experiences of antenatal imaging and their potential effect on parent-fetal attachment (bonding)
IRAS ID
279632
Contact name
Emily Skelton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Research Summary
This study will look at how fetal imaging can affect the relationship that parents develop to their unborn babies. Healthy relationships between parents and their children are important for infant brain development, improved mental and physical health, reduced antisocial behaviours and achievement at school and beyond. The UK government’s 1001 Critical Days manifesto promotes the development of this relationship from the moment of conception to the age of 2. Routine imaging during pregnancy (to detect whether an unborn baby has an anomaly that may need treatment during the pregnancy or immediately after birth) is thought to enhance the mother-baby relationship, however, little is known about how imaging may affect a father’s feelings. Advanced imaging is becoming popular in departments to complement routine ultrasound scanning, and can provide more information about the baby’s development, as well as allowing parents to see more detailed pictures of their babies. These detailed images can help healthcare professionals to explain anomalies to parents, however, there is limited research into how these new techniques and improved visualisation of the baby can impact on parents. First-time parents (aged 18 or over) of 100 uncomplicated pregnancies who are attending appointments for scans of their unborn babies at St Thomas' Hospital, London will be asked to complete a short online emotional well-being and bonding questionnaire before and after their scan. This questionnaire will help to gain an understanding of whether the experience of seeing their unborn baby through imaging changes how they feel about their baby. Parents of 15 healthy pregnancies and parents of an additional 15 pregnancies in which a fetal anomaly is suspected or has already been diagnosed, will also be invited to take part in a telephone interview after their scans to discuss their experiences of the imaging examination.
Summary of Results
We would like to thank all parents who kindly participated in this study and shared their experiences of imaging during pregnancy.
This study was conducted by researchers at City, University of London. It was funded by City, University of London and the College of Radiographers.
The purpose of this study was to find out about expectant parents' experiences of having imaging during pregnancy, and to see whether this could affect their emotional connection (bond) to their unborn baby.
Parent volunteers and representatives from parent advocacy groups were involved in designing the study and invited to provide feedback on the proposed research. Parent volunteers were also invited to review the results of the study and offer their reflections on the reported findings.
Data were collected during September 2021-December 2022. First-time expectant parents attending a hospital in London for imaging during their pregnancy were invited to complete an online questionnaire and/or take part in a telephone interview. No unexpected outcomes of the research occurred.
Data collected during this study were analysed quantitatively using statistical methods and qualitatively using thematic analysis.
Statistical analysis showed that prenatal bonding scores were significantly increased after imaging for mothers and fathers. Parents who had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during pregnancy reported significantly higher prenatal bonding scores compared to parents who only had ultrasound during pregnancy. The analyses identified four important factors for predicting increased prenatal bonding after imaging, including parental employment status, imaging modality (e.g., ultrasound or MRI), experience of imaging examination, and parental excitement after the imaging examination.
Qualitative analysis of survey responses and interview data found that imaging during pregnancy offered expectant parents reassurance about the well-being of their unborn baby, and provided an opportunity to connect with the baby through quality interactions with healthcare professionals. A positive scan experience helped expectant parents to feel excited about parenthood. Parents considered MRI in pregnancy to be a superior imaging technique to conventional ultrasound. Further analyses highlighted the important but time-sensitive role of imaging during pregnancy in enhancing prenatal bonding, and the differing care needs of expectant parents. The importance of healthcare professionals in providing personalised and supportive experiences of pregnancy imaging to facilitate prenatal bonding was also observed.
This study has helped to provide a deeper understanding of expectant parents' experiences of imaging during pregnancy, and their individual needs for supportive and inclusive care.
These findings will be used to inform and develop recommendations for parent-centred approaches for those accessing imaging services during pregnancy in the future.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
20/WS/0132
Date of REC Opinion
12 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion