Maternal pre and perinatal experiences with their full-term, preterm and very preterm newborns

Background: Mothers' reports about pregnancy, maternity, and their experiences during the perinatal period have been associated with infants' later quality of attachment and development. Yet, there has been little research on mothers of very preterm newborns. This study aimed to explore mothers' experiences related to pregnancy, premature birth, relationship with the newborn, and future perspectives, and to compare them in the context of distinct infants' at-birth-risk conditions. Methods: A semi-structured interview was conducted with women after birth, within the first 72 h of the newborn's life. A total of 150 women participated and were divided into three groups: (1) 50 mothers of full-term newborns (Gestational Age (GA)≥37 weeks; FT), (2) 50 mothers of preterm newborns (GA 32-36 weeks; PT) and (3) 50 mothers of very preterm newborns (GA