Summary: A recent study found that the frequency of fetal movements in late pregnancy is directly associated with stronger maternal-fetal attachment (MFA). Using an actocardiograph to objectively record fetal activity, researchers observed that higher movement levels predicted greater emotional bonding between pregnant person and fetus. This relationship held even after accounting for maternal mood, gestational age, parity, and knowledge of fetal sex.
These findings emphasize that fetal movements are not only clinical markers of wellbeing but also act as early, nonverbal signals that help shape the emotional connection between parent and unborn baby. Consciously noticing and responding to these movements may be a simple, non-invasive way to strengthen prenatal attachment and encourage more sensitive caregiving after birth.
Key facts
- Fetal activity matters: Greater fetal movement in late pregnancy was linked to higher maternal-fetal attachment scores.
- Objective measurement: Movement was recorded with a fetal actocardiograph rather than relying solely on maternal perception.
- Potential lasting impact: Stronger prenatal attachment may promote more attentive and emotionally responsive caregiving in the postnatal period.
Study overview
The research measured fetal movements objectively in 51 pregnant people during the third trimester and assessed MFA with a validated questionnaire. The fetal actocardiograph captured movement counts, including motions that the mother might not consciously perceive. Analyses showed a clear association: fetuses that moved more frequently were linked to higher prenatal attachment scores in their mothers. This association remained statistically significant after controlling for important variables such as maternal mood, gestational week, whether the mother had previous children, and whether she knew the baby’s sex.
One implication of this work is that fetal movements may function as a form of early nonverbal communication. Even when not consciously noted by the pregnant person, these movements appear to contribute to the formation of mental images and emotional representations of the baby—core elements of maternal-fetal attachment. Engaging with the baby’s movements through attentive observation, talking to the baby, or other gentle responses could help deepen bonding before birth.
Methods and measurement
Participants were in their third trimester, with average gestational age and maternal age representative of typical late-pregnancy samples. The study used a Toitu MT-516 fetal actocardiograph to record fetal activity and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory–Revised to measure maternal-fetal attachment. By combining objective biometric data with standardized psychological assessment, the researchers were able to test whether a genuine link exists between fetal activity and prenatal bonding beyond subjective reporting biases.
Implications for parents and clinicians
For expectant parents, being aware of fetal movements can serve both practical and emotional purposes: movements reassure about fetal wellbeing and also invite interaction that builds attachment. Health professionals may consider discussing the emotional value of fetal movements with pregnant patients in addition to monitoring movements for clinical safety. Simple practices—mindful attention to movements, gentle touch, or speaking to the baby—are accessible ways to encourage prenatal bonding without medical intervention.
Research context
Previous studies showed that instructing pregnant people to count fetal movements can raise prenatal attachment scores, and mothers who subjectively report more movement also tend to report stronger attachment. This new study advances the evidence by demonstrating the same association using objective movement data, suggesting that real fetal activity, not only perception of activity, contributes to prenatal bonding.
About this pregnancy and bonding research news
Author: Sandra Pinto
Source: BIAL Foundation
Contact: Sandra Pinto – BIAL Foundation
Image: Image credited to Neuroscience News
Original research (open access): “Associations between fetal movement and maternal-fetal attachment in late pregnancy” by Kathy Ayala et al., Early Human Development. DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106351
Abstract (overview)
Maternal-fetal attachment refers to the developing emotional bond and mental representation that a pregnant person forms toward their fetus. Awareness of, and responses to, fetal movement are central components of this process. While prior work linked subjective reports of movement to attachment, the current study objectively measured fetal activity in 51 third-trimester participants and found that greater movement was associated with higher prenatal attachment scores independent of mood, parity, knowledge of fetal sex, and gestational age. These results underscore fetal movement’s relevance to the psychology of pregnancy and suggest a communicative role for fetal activity in shaping prenatal attachment. Given that stronger prenatal attachment is associated with more engaged and sensitive parent–infant interactions after birth, understanding these prenatal processes contributes to a broader picture of early relational and developmental pathways across the perinatal period.
Research team commentary
“Although our findings align with previous research, our work goes further by using objective measurements of fetal movements rather than relying solely on maternal perception,” notes Helena Rutherford. “By using a fetal actocardiograph, we were able to capture movements not perceived by the mother, allowing for a more rigorous and unbiased examination of the link between fetal activity and prenatal attachment.” The researchers emphasize that greater understanding of these prenatal associations offers useful insights into how early psychological and relational processes shape development during pregnancy and after birth.