Özet:

Gender preferences that are based on the traditions or expectations of the geography are inevitable in Turkey, as in other countries. This study aimed to determine the correlation of the gender of the fetus with prenatal attachment and perceived social support level. The cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2015 and June 2016 in family health centers in Malatya, Turkey. A power analysis was performed, and the sample size was estimated as 265 pregnant women. The data were obtained “Pregnant Introduction Form,” “Prenatal Attachment Inventory,” and “Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.” The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U tests, independent-samples t test, and Cronbach’s alpha reliability analysis test. PAI total mean score was found to be 61.67 ± 8.58 for the primigravid women bearing a female child, and 57.74 ± 8.97 for the primigravid women bearing a male child (p<0.05). The mean total score of PAI and MSPSS in multigravid women was determined in favor of males (p<0.05). Although the female gender of the fetus in primigravid women positively affected prenatal attachment, male gender of the fetus or having only male children in multigravid women enhanced both prenatal attachment and perceived social support level. The association among fetal gender, prenatal attachment and perceived social support indicates the impact of gender preference in pregnancy.

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