Prenatal maternal psychic development and fetal behavior: an interacting reality

Desarrollo psicológico durante el embarazo y en transición a la paternidad estuvo bajo atención científica durante la segunda mitad del siglo xx. La investigación arrojó datos que sugieren que la adaptación humana a la reproducción del ciclo de vida es muy importante en nuestra búsqueda de la calidad de vida. Es decir, los estudios de emociones prenatal materna revelaron que la existencia de una relación entre, por un lado, el funcionamiento psicológico de las mujeres embarazadas y, por otro lado, la salud obstétrica, las vicisitudes del alumbramiento y el parto, la salud del recién nacido y comportamiento, etc. Recientemente los estudios sobre estrés prenatal demuestran la importancia de las experiencias intrauterinas para el desarrollo de los bebés. . Intervenciones dedicadas a evitar consecuencias negativas inducidas por estrés materno deben ser organizados tan pronto como sea posible en la vida humana. En este sentido, se argumenta que el refuerzo de aspectos positivos, tanto en la madre como en el bebé, así como el funcionamiento de la familia, debería ser considerado como el elemento principal en las estrategias relacionales asumidas por los profesionales en este campo.Psychological development during pregnancy and along transition to parenthood stood under scientific attention during the second half of the twentieth century. Research yielded data suggesting that human adaptation to the reproductive steps of the life cycle is very important in our quest for quality of life. Namely, studies of maternal prenatal emotions revealed the existence of a relationship between, on one side, pregnant women psychological functioning and, on another side, obstetric health, labor and delivery vicissitudes, newborn’s health and behavior, etc. Recently studies about prenatal stress showed how important intrauterine experiences can be for babies’ development. Interventions dedicated to prevent negative consequences induced by maternal stress should be organized as early as possible in human life. In this sense, it is argued that positive aspects reinforcement, both in the mother and in the baby as well as in family functioning, should be seen as the major focus in relational strategies assumed by professionals operating in this field.peerReviewe

Neonatal behavior as biologically motivated behavior

Objetivos: Discutir la posibilidad de que el comportamiento neonatal puede ser entendido como un comportamiento biológicamente motivado. Hipótesis: los recién nacidos humanos presentan un repertorio de conducta que corresponde a la evolución filogenética y a la adaptación de la especie humana a las circunstancias ambientales. Método: El repertorio del comportamiento del recién nacido humano se discute en base de la evaluación neuroconductual de los bebés en los primeros momentos de la vida extra-uterina, es decir, la escala de Brazelton (Escala de Evaluación del Comportamiento Neonatal) por T. Berry Brazelton. Esta descripción se articula con varios aspectos de la experiencia humana: a) adecuación a la supervivencia después del nacimiento; b) la secuencia de comportamiento prenatal a un comportamiento postnatal, c) la similitud entre el sueño prenatal / estados despierto y dormir postnatal / estados despierto y d) la competencia del comportamiento postnatal como resultado de la formación prenatal (el rendimiento de comportamiento prenatal como un ejercicio hacia la mejora de la el rendimiento de comportamiento posnatal). Conclusión: La articulación anteriormente descrita se utiliza para iluminar a las futuras investigaciones en los campos de la conducta y el comportamiento neonatal prenatal. También se utilizará para profundizar las posibilidades de las intervenciones psicológicas basadas en las presentaciones que se ofrecen a las madres, padres o familias hora de evaluar el comportamiento de los recién nacidos (manifestaciones Brazelton).Objectives: To discuss the possibility that neonatal behavior can be understood as biologically motivated behavior. Hypothesis: Human newborns present a behavioral repertoire which corresponds to the phylogenetic evolution and adaptation of the human species to environmental circumstances. Method: The behavioral repertoire of the human newborn is discussed at the light of the neurobehavioral evaluation of babies at the first moments of extra-uterine life, namely the NBAS (Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale) by T. Berry Brazelton. This description is articulated with several aspects of human experience: a) adequacy for survival after birth; b) sequence from prenatal behavior to postnatal behavior, c) similarity between prenatal sleep/awake states and postnatal sleep/awake states and d) postnatal behavioral competence as a result of prenatal training (the performance of prenatal behavior as an exercise towards the enhancement of postnatal behavioral performance). Conclusion: The articulation above described will be used to enlighten future research in the fields of neonatal behavior and prenatal behavior. It will also be used to deepen possibilities of psychological interventions based at presentations offered to mothers, fathers or families when assessing newborns’ behavior (Brazelton demonstrations).peerReviewe

Construção e validação da ERSMG: escala de representações sonoro-musicais na gravidez

Este documento describe la construcción y validación de la Escala de Representaciones Sonoro-Musicales en el Embarazo (ERSME). Esta escala se utilizó en una muestra de 211 mujeres embarazadas en el segundo y el tercer trimestre de gestación, antes de la ecografía morfológica de la 22ª semana de gestación, y previamente a la ecografía en la semana 32ª de gestación. La ERSME tiene por objeto evaluar el nivel de sensibilidad sonoro-musical a partir de la 22ª semana de gestación. Después de realizar varios análisis factoriales y de los respectivos análisis de consistencia interna, se decidió optar por una estructura unifactorial con 25 puntos y una buena consistencia interna (α = .815). La adecuada coherencia psicométricas de esta escala permite el acceso a una variable de estudio menos desarrollada en el ámbito de la investigación, pero que consideramos pertinente para evaluar su relación con el estudio de la organización psicológica durante el embarazo, especialmente con la madre-feto enlace.This paper describes the construction and validation of the Scale of Sound-Music Representations in Pregnancy (SSMRP). This scale was used with a sample of 211 pregnant women at the second and at the third trimesters of gestation, before the morphologic ultrasound examination by the 22nd week of gestation and previously to the ultrasound examination at the 32nd week of gestation. The SSMRP aims to assess the level of sound-music sensibility from the 22nd week of gestation on. After several factorial analysis and the respective internal consistency analysis, it was decided to retain an unifactorial structure with 25 items and a good internal consistency (α= .815).The adequate psychometric consistency of this scale allows the access to a variable of study yet less developed in research, but that we consider as pertinent to evaluate its relation with the study of the psychological organization during pregnancy and, particularly with the mother-fetus liaison.Este artigo descreve a construção e validação de uma Escala de Representações Sonoro-Musicais na Gravidez (ERSMG). Esta escala foi aplicada a uma amostra de 211 mulheres grávidas nos segundo e terceiro trimestres de gestação, previamente à realização da ecografia morfológica, pelas 22 semanas de gestação, e previamente à realização da ecografia do terceiro trimestre, pelas 32 semanas de gestação, respetivamente. A ERSMG pretende avaliar o nível de sensibilidade sonoro-musical da mulher grávida a 0partir das 22 semanas de gestação. Após a realização de várias análises fatoriais e das respectivas análises de consistência interna, decidiu-se optar por uma estrutura unifatorial, composta por 25 itens e com uma boa consistência interna (α= .815). A adequada fidelidade psicométrica da escala permite o acesso a uma variável de estudo ainda pouco desenvolvida na investigação, mas que consideramos pertinente para avaliar a sua relação com o estudo da organização psicológica da gravidez e, particularmente, com a ligação materno-fetal

Efeito do número de filhos na satisfaçaõ conjugal e na vinculação pré-natal materna e paterna

Introducción: La satisfacción marital de la pareja disminuye durante el embarazo (Belesky, Lang y Rovine, 1985; Parke, 1996), lo que está estrechamente relacionado con el número de hijos. Representa un factor importante en la unión prenatal de cada progenitor hacia el feto (White, Wilson, Ellander, Persson y 1999). Método: Los objetivos de este estudio son comparar la satisfacción marital y el apego prenatal materno / paterno durante el embarazo de acuerdo con el número de hijos. La muestra incluyó a 407 mujeres y sus parejas / esposos. Se pidió a los sujetos que respondieran a un cuestionario sociodemográfico, la MPAAS (Condon, 1993; adaptación por Camarneiro y Justo, 2010) y el EASAVIC (Narciso y Ribeiro, 2009). Un estudio transversal descriptivo y correlacional se llevó a cabo con aplicación de ambos análisis univariados y multivariados, controlando por edad y educación. Resultados: La satisfacción marital es significativamente mayor en los hombres y las mujeres que no tienen hijos. El apego maternal al feto, tanto total como medido, y la calidad del apego paterno no están influenciados por el número de hijos. El apego prenatal paterno total y la intensidad de la preocupación paterna es significativamente mayor en los hombres que no tienen hijos. Discusión / Conclusión: La satisfacción marital de los hombres y las mujeres es más alta durante el primer embarazo. El apego prenatal materno (tanto total como medido) no está influenciado por la paridad. En padres primerizos, el apego prenatal total al feto y la intensidad de la preocupación es mayor. Sin embargo, la calidad de la unión no se ve afectada por el número de hijos.Introduction: The couple’s marital satisfaction declines during pregnancy (Belesky, Lang & Rovine, 1985; Parke, 1996), which is closely related to the number of children. It represents an important factor in the prenatal attachment of each parent to the fetus (White, Wilson, Ellander, Persson & 1999). Method: The aims of this study are to compare the marital satisfaction and maternal/paternal prenatal attachment during pregnancy according to the number of children. The sample included 407 women and their partners / husbands. The subjects were asked to answer a socio-demographic questionnaire, the MPAAS (Condon, 1993; adaptation by Camarneiro & Justo, 2010) and the EASAVIC (Narciso & Ribeiro, 2009). A descriptive and correlational cross-sectional study was conducted with application of both univariate and multivariate analyzes, controlling for age and education. Results: Marital satisfaction is significantly higher in both men and women who do not have children. Maternal attachment to the fetus, both total and in the dimensions, and the quality of the paternal attachment are not influenced by the number of children. The total paternal prenatal attachment and the intensity of paternal preoccupation are significantly higher in men who do not have children. Discussion/Conclusion: The marital satisfaction of both men and women is higher during the first pregnancy. Maternal prenatal attachment (both total and in the dimensions) is not influenced by parity. In first-time fathers, the total prenatal attachment to the fetus and the intensity of preoccupation is higher. However, the quality of attachment is not affected by the number of children.Introdução: A satisfação conjugal de homens e de mulheres declina durante a gravidez (Belesky, Lang & Rovine, 1985; Parke, 1996) estando em estreita relação com o número de filhos e constituindo um factor importante na vinculação pré-natal de cada progenitor ao feto (White, Wilson, Ellander, & Persson, 1999). Método: O objectivo deste estudo é comparar a satisfação conjugal e a vinculação pré-natal das mulheres e dos homens durante a gravidez de acordo com o número de filhos. A amostra é constituída por 407 mulheres e homens, seus companheiros/maridos que responderam a um questionário sócio-demográfico, à EVPNMP (Condon, 1993; adaptação de Camarneiro & Justo, 2010) e à EASAVIC (Narciso & Ribeiro, 2009). Realizou-se um estudo transversal descritivo-correlacional com aplicação de estatística uni e multivariada controlo da idade e escolaridade. Resultados: A satisfação conjugal é significativamente mais elevada nos homens e nas mulheres que ainda não têm filhos. A vinculação materna ao feto, total e dimensões, e a dimensão qualidade da vinculação paterna não são influenciadas pelo número de filhos. A vinculação pré-natal total e a dimensão intensidade da preocupação paternas são significativamente mais elevadas nos homens que não têm filhos. Discussão/conclusões: A satisfação conjugal de homens e mulheres é superior na primeira gravidez. A vinculação pré-natal materna, total e dimensões, não é influenciada pela paridade. Nos homens que vivem a sua primeira experiência de paternidade, a vinculação pré-natal total ao feto e a intensidade da preocupação é superior. Contudo, a qualidade da vinculação não é afectada pelo número de filhos

a new instrument for the assessment of the body image during gestation

UID/EAT/00693/2013Pregnant women’s body image is crucial for psychological organization during pregnancy. Projective drawings enable the assessement of body image but studies using drawings of pregnancy (DP) are scarce. Aims: to observe the evolution of body image between the second and the third trimesters using DP and the relationships between DP and sociodemographic and clinical factors. Participants: pregnant women waiting for sonograms (202, second trimester; 159, third trimester). Instruments: Sociodemographic and Clinical Questionnaire and DP. Results: DP’s data at the second trimester were factoranalyzed yelding four factors: F1- General Representation of the Imaginary Baby (α = .966), F2- Representation of the Maternal Image (α = .888), F3- Detailed Representation of the Imaginary Baby (α = .846) and F4- Recognition of Pregnancy (α = .588). Between the two moments, F2 presented a significant difference while F1, F3 and F4 did not. Significant correlations were observed between DP’s factors and clinical variables: parity, spontaneous abortions, total of abortions and the beginning of maternal perception about fetal movements. Conclusion: in a healthy population, DP are sensitive to changes in maternal image. Once the imaginary baby representation and the recognition of pregnancy do not change significantly, the theory of psychological development during pregnancy is reinforced.publishersversionpublishe

Psychopathological symptoms, strategies for problems' resolution and newborn's health during the perinatal period

ANTECEDENTES: El período perinatal es un factor de vulnerabilidad para mujeres y hombres. Los mecanismos de resolución de problemas son importantes para una vida saludable durante la perinatalidad y para la salud del bebé. OBJETIVOS: Comprender la relación entre los síntomas psicopatológicos (SPP) y la resolución de problemas (RP) durante el embarazo y el posparto, en mujeres y hombres; comparar SPP y RP entre embarazo y posparto en mujeres y hombres; analizar las diferencias en SPP por un lado y, por otro lado, de acuerdo con la salud del bebé al nacer. MÉTODOS: Estudio longitudinal y prospectivo. Muestra de 134 mujeres y hombres. Evaluación en embarazo, parto y postparto. Instrumentos: Cuestionario sociodemográfico y clínico; BSI (Derogatis, 1993); IRP (Vaz-Serra, 1988). RESULTADOS: Entre SPP y RP las correlaciones significativas son negativas. Se encontraron correlaciones positivas y significativas para SPP y RP entre períodos pre y postnatales en mujeres y hombres. Las excepciones fueron el abandono pasivo (AP-RP) en mujeres y la confrontación y resolución activa de problemas (CRAP-RP) en hombres. Para las mujeres, durante el período posnatal, se encontraron aumentos significativos en: obsesiones-compulsiones, sensibilidad interpersonal, hostilidad, ideación paranoide, psicoticismo, índice general de síntomas, índice de síntomas positivos (ISP) y control interno/externo de problemas (CIEP-RP). En el mismo período, los hombres presentaron incrementos en CIEP e ISP. La salud del bebé al nacer no fue diferente según las mujeres y los hombres con SPP y PR en el embarazo, aunque la depresión prenatal de los hombres que tienen bebés con problemas fue mayor, con un significado marginal. Las mujeres que tuvieron bebés con problemas de salud al nacer presentaron promedios significativamente más bajos en la solicitud de ayuda (SDA-RP) en el posparto. Los padres mostraron un resultado similar, con un significado marginal. CONCLUSIONES: Durante el período perinatal, las mujeres presentan vías diferentes y más complejas que los hombres. Se observa un empeoramiento del estado psicológico durante la transición del período pre al postnatal porque tienen síntomas psicopatológicos posnatales más altos en número e intensidad. Las mujeres que tienen bebés con problemas de salud al nacer presentan dificultades para solicitar ayuda en el período posnatal. En los hombres se observa una alta consistencia entre los datos pre y postnatales de las variables psicológicas. Por lo tanto, es necesario brindar apoyo psicológico a las mujeres en esta etapa de la vida.BACKGROUND: The perinatal period is a factor of vulnerability for women and men. Mechanisms of problems resolution are important for a healthy living during perinatality and for the health of baby. GOALS: To understand the relationship between psychopathological symptoms (PPS) and problems’ resolution (PR) during pregnancy and postpartum, in women and men; to compare PPS and PR between pregnancy and postpartum in women and men; to analyze the differences in SPP on the one hand and on the other hand, according on the baby’s health at birth. METHODS: Longitudinal and prospective study. Sample of 134 women and men. Assessment in pregnancy, delivery and post-partum. Instruments: Socio-demographic and Clinical Questionnaire; BSI (Derogatis, 1993); IRP (Vaz-Serra, 1988). RESULTS: Between PPS and PR the significant correlations are negative. Positive and significant correlations were found for PPS and PR between pre and postnatal periods in women and men. Exceptions were passive abandonment (PA-PR) in women and confronting and active resolution of problems (CARP-PR) in men. For women, during postnatal period, significant increases were found in: obsessions-compulsions, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, paranoid ideation, psychoticism, symptoms general index, index of positive symptoms (IPS) and internal/external control of problems (IECP-PR). In the same period, men presented increases in IECP and ISP. The baby’s health at birth was no different according to PPS and RP women and men in pregnancy, although the prenatal depression of men having babies with problems were higher, with marginal significance. Women having babies with health problems at birth presented averages significantly lower in solicitude for help (SFH-PR) at postpartum. The fathers showed a similar result, with marginal significance. CONCLUSIONS: During perinatal period, women present different and more complex pathways than men. A worsening of the psychological state is observed during the transition from pre to postnatal period because they have post-natal psychopathological higher symptoms in number and intensity. Women having babies with health problems at birth present difficulty in solicitude for help at postnatal period. In men a high consistency is observed between pre and postnatal data of psychological variables. Therefore, it is necessary to provide psychological support to women in this stage of life.ENQUADRAMENTO: O período perinatal constitui vulnerabilidade psicológica para mulheres e homens. Mecanismos de resolução de problemas poderão ser importantes na vivência saudável da perinatalidade e na saúde do bebé. OBJETIVOS: Compreender a relação entre sintomas psicopatológicos (SPP) e resolução de problemas (RP) na gravidez e pós-parto, em mulheres e homens; comparar SPP e RP entre gravidez e pós-parto em mulheres e homens; analisar as diferenças nos SPP por um lado e na RP por outro lado, consoante a saúde do bebé ao nascer. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal e prospetivo. Amostra de 134 mulheres e homens na gravidez, parto e pós-parto. Instrumentos: Questionário Sociodemográfico e Clínico; BSI (Derogatis, 1993); IRP (Vaz-Serra, 1988). RESULTADOS: Entre BSI e IRP, as correlações significativas são negativas. Entre períodos pré e pós-natal, mulheres e homens mostraram correlação positiva significativa nos SPP e na RP (exceto abandono passivo, nas mulheres, e confronto e resolução ativa dos problemas, nos homens). No período pós-natal, mulheres aumentaram significativamente obsessões-compulsões, sensibilidade interpessoal, depressão, hostilidade, ideação paranóide, psicoticismo, índice geral de sintomas, índice de sintomas positivos (ISP), e controlo interno/externo dos problemas (CIE). Os homens aumentaram ISP e CIE. A saúde do bebé ao nascer não foi diferente conforme SPP e RP das mulheres e homens na gravidez, embora a depressão pré-natal dos homens que vieram a ter bebés com problemas estivesse mais elevada, com significância marginal. No pós-parto, mães de bebés com problemas pontuaram menos na RP pedido de ajuda. Nos pais, observou-se resultado semelhante, com significância marginal. CONCLUSÕES: No período perinatal, as mulheres apresentam trajetórias diferentes e mais complexas que os homens. As mulheres têm sintomas psicopatológicos pósnatais em maior número e intensidade. Mães de bebés com problemas ao nascer mostram dificuldade em pedir ajuda no período pós-natal. Nos homens existe grande concordância nas variáveis psicológicas pré e pós-natais. É necessário prestar apoio psicológico às mulheres nesta fase da vida.peerReviewe

Defence mechanisms of infertile couples vs. fertile couples

Los mecanismos de defensa (DM) fueron investigados en las parejas infértiles (n = 60) a la espera de su primera consulta de infertilidad, haciendo uso del inventario de mecanismos de defensa (DMI). Cuando se comparó con los resultados de las parejas fértiles (n = 60), mujeres y hombres infértiles demostraron una tendencia significativa a evitar el uso de mecanismos de defensa que permitan la expresión de impulsos agresivos, así como una tendencia al uso excesivo de mecanismos de defensa que permiten la racionalización y la negación de situaciones frustrantes. Estos datos parecen indicar la presencia de rigidez defensiva en las parejas afectadas por estrés reproductivo, mientras que en las parejas en común la flexibilidad defensiva es de esperar.Defence mechanisms (DM) were investigated in infertile couples (n = 60) waiting for their first infertility consultation, making use of the Defense Mechanisms Inventory (DMI). When compared with results of fertile couples (n = 60), infertile men and women showed a significant trend to avoid the use of defence mechanisms that enable the expression of aggressive impulses as well as a tendency to overuse defence mechanisms that enable the rationalization and negation of frustrating situations. Such data seem to indicate the presence of defensive inflexibility in couples affected by reproductive stress, while in common couples defensive flexibility is to be expected.peerReviewe

A new factorial approach for the portuguese version of the mother and baby scales (MABS)

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las relaciones tempranas madre-hijo son de gran importancia en varios dominios del desarrollo del niño. En los primeros días de vida, es importante evaluar el comportamiento de la madre y del bebé. Las escalas de MABS se han propuesto con el fin de obtener información acerca de las percepciones maternas sobre el comportamiento del bebé y sobre la confianza de la madre para cuidarlo. OBJETIVO: Aplicar la versión portuguesa de la MABS y estudiar su estructura factorial y su consistencia interna. MÉTODO: La versión en portugués del MABS se aplicó en dos muestras de madres recientes portuguesas durante su estancia en el hospital (N = 289). Los resultados fueron sometidos a análisis de componentes principales y de consistencia interna. RESULTADOS: Ocho factores emergieron. Varios de estos factores son similares a los originales: la interfaz de usuario, LCC, A, E, GC, y ADF. Un nuevo factor, CC, se opone a la LCC originales. Otro factor (FIL / LCF) los resultados de la asociación de elementos que pertenecen a dos de los factores originales (FDI y LCF). CONCLUSIÓN: Parece que las dimensiones de la versión portuguesa de la MABS pueden ser útiles para un uso clínico y de investigación en las madres portuguesas, sobre todo porque los aspectos culturales están jugando un papel en la nueva estructura factorial.INTRODUCTION: Early mother-infant relationships are of major importance for several domains of child development. At the first days of life, it is simultaneously important to assess the behavior of both baby and mother. The MABS scales have been proposed in order obtain information about maternal perceptions about the baby behavior and about mother’s confidence to take care of the baby. AIM:To apply the Portuguese version of the MABS and to study their factorial structure and internal consistency. METHOD: The Portuguese version of the MABS was applied in two samples of newly Portuguese mothers while staying in hospital (N = 289). Results were submitted to principal components and internal consistency analyzes. RESULTS : Eight factors emerged. Several of these factors are similar to the original ones: UI, LCC, A, E, GC, and ADF. A new factor, CC, opposes to the original LCC. Another factor (IDF/LCF) results of the association of items belonging to two of the original factors (IDF and LCF). CONCLUSION: It seems that dimensions of the Portuguese version of the MABS may be helpful for clinical use and for research with Portuguese mothers, especially because cultural aspects are playing a role at the new factorial structure.peerReviewe

The “Questionnaire of the difference Imaginary Baby vs. Real Baby”: a new instrument for the evaluation of differences between prenatal and postnatal maternal perceptions after delivery

Introducción: El bebé imaginario y el bebé real son conceptos importantes para la comprensión tanto de la vida psíquica de la mujer embarazada como de las nuevas madres. Objetivo: Presentar un nuevo instrumento psicométrico para la evaluación de la diferencia entre el bebé imaginario y el bebé real en los primeros días después del parto. Método: Generación de 30 elementos sobre la diferencia entre el bebé imaginario y el bebé real relacionados con las cinco áreas principales de la vida de los recién nacidos: alimentación, sueño, interacción, características del bebé y temperamento. Participantes: el "Cuestionario de la diferencia Imaginario bebé vs. Real bebé" (QDIBRB) fue aplicada a una muestra (n = 190) de madres recientes del Dr. Alfredo da Costa de Lisboa. Resultados: Tras una serie de análisis factoriales, rotación Equamax con extracción forzada a 4 factores que explican el 52,7% de la varianza total) proporcionaron 3 factores sobre las diferencias entre la salud materna prenatal y postnatal y percepciones sobre las siguientes áreas: F1 - bebés' expresiones emocionales positivas (α = .881), F2 - temores maternos relacionados con bebés' significado conductual (α = .850) y F3 - bebés' comportamiento atractivo (α = .783). Para la escala completa es excelente la consistencia interna (α = .921). Conclusión: La QDIBRB parece ser capaz de evaluar las diferencias entre el bebe imaginario y el bebé real de manera psicométrica. Se necesitan investigaciones futuras para demostrar si los datos recopilados con QDIBRB son útiles en el mundo de la psicología perinatal.INTRODUCTION: Fantasmatic baby, imaginary baby and the real baby are important concepts for the understanding of the psychological life of pregnant women as of newly mothers. GOAL: To present a new psychometric instrument for the assessment of the difference between imaginary baby and real baby by the first days after delivery. METHOD: Generation of 30 items about the difference between imaginary baby and real baby related to five main areas of newborns’ life: feeding, sleeping, interaction, baby characteristics and temperament. PARTICIPANTS: The “Questionnaire of the Difference Imaginary Baby vs. Real Baby” (QDIBRB) was applied to a sample (N = 190) of newly mothers at Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa in Lisbon. RESULTS: After a series of factorial analysis, Equamax rotation with extraction forced to 4 factors (explaining 52.7% of total variance) provided 3 factors about differences between maternal prenatal and postnatal perceptions on the following areas: F1 - babies’ positive emotional expressions (α = .881), F2 - maternal fears related with babies’ behavioral meaning (α = .850) and F3 - babies’ appealing behavior (α = .783). For the complete scale internal consistency is excellent (α = .921). CONCLUSION: The QDIBRB seems to be able to assess differences between the imaginary baby and the real baby in a psychometric way. Future research is needed to show if data collected with QDIBRB are useful in the world of perinatal psychology.peerReviewe

Sound-Music Experiences and Maternal Sensitivity Following Preterm Birth: Contributions for the Model of Family-Centered Care.

Introduction: The model of Family-Centered Care strengthens the parents’ active role at the caring for the newborn baby. Prenatal maternal sound-music sensitivity increases at the third trimester of pregnancy and shows to be a good predictor of prenatal maternal attachment. Method: preterm mothers (N = 36) were interviewed about clinical and sociodemographic features as well as about their sound-music experiences after and before preterm delivery. Correlations between sociodemographic, clinical and sound-music experiences were performed. Results: sound-music experiences after preterm birth were associated with memories of sound-music experiences during pregnancy and seem to be influenced by previous abortions as well as by babies’ variables (gestational age at birth, weight at birth and chronological age at observation). Conclusion: The assessment of maternal sound-music experiences following preterm birth may be useful in an innovative way to strength the model of Family-Centered Care underlining the mothers’ active role at the attention directed to the vulnerable baby