Own memories of upbringing as a determinant of prenatal attachment in expectant women

This study examines how expectant mothers recalled their childhood experiences with their parents and how these experiences would facilitate establishing attachment to their unborn babies. A total of 161 Swedish women aged 21-50 years in their third trimester of pregnancy participated in the study. The subjects completed two questionnaires: one regarding prenatal attachment and one addressing childhood memories of parenting. The results suggest that childhood memories of one's own upbringing are an important determinant of the quality of prenatal attachment. Expectant mothers who had experienced more emotional warmth from their mothers were better at establishing an affectionate relationship with their unborn baby. The results also underline the importance of the parental role for women in the development of maternal identification, particularly the competence in establishing prenatal attachment.