Validating an Observational Measure of Prenatal Emotional Availability among Mothers with Depressive Symptoms

This study describes a new observational measure for assessing a mother’s prenatal emotional availability in relationship towards her unborn baby (Pre-EA). Concurrent associations between a mother’s Pre-EA, her adult attachment style (AAI), and prenatal maternal reflective functioning (RF) (Pregnancy Interview) were assessed among 45 pregnant women (gw 22-31) screened positive for depressive symptoms in a community-based sample. Pre-EA was measured from a videotaped, semi-structured maternal-fetal interaction assessment procedure (MIM). The two Pre-EA dimensions, sensitivity and non-hostility, were related to adult secure-autonomous attachment style and higher prenatal maternal RF. The results show that this observed emotional availability may be assessed during pregnancy.