Examining the relationship between child development knowledge and fetal attachment of expectant mothers and fathers

In this study, it is aimed to examine the child development knowledge and fetal attachment levels of the expectant mothers and fathers and the relationship between these variables. For this purpose, descriptive and relational survey model, which is one of the quantitative research methods, was used. To measure the level of child development knowledge of expectant mothers and fathers ''The Caregiver Knowledge of Child Development Inventory''and to measure level of fetal attachment "Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale" and "Paternal-Fetal Attachment Scale" were used. The study group of the research there are 350 expectant mother and father (175 expectant mother and 175 expectant father) who are followed up at Zeynep Kâmil Women and Children's Diseases Education and Research Hospital, have been over 18. gestational weeks and waiting for their first baby. The data obtained from the study group were analyzed by using statistical analyses program. As a result of the study; it is seen that for both expectant mothers and fathers the child development knowledge level was low and fetal attachment level was high. The child development knowledge and fetal attachment level of the expectant mothers were higher than fathers'. In addition, it was concluded that the fetal attachment level of the expectant mothers and fathers affect each other positively. Also it is seen that the knowledge of child development level and fetal attachment level of expectant mothers affect each other positively, too. Results are discussed in line with the relevant literature and in parallel with this results various suggestions were presented. It is thought that this study will contribute to child development knowledge and fetal attachment levels affect each other for pregnant women who do not have a child and will become mothers for the first time. Keywords: Pregnancy, expectant mothers and fathers, child development knowledge, fetal attachment