Helena Rutherford, PhD, highlights fetal movement’s link to maternal attachment

A recent study led by Helena Rutherford, PhD, associate professor in the Child Study Center at Yale School of Medicine, highlights the important role of fetal movement in shaping maternal-fetal attachment during pregnancy, with implications for both clinical practice and long-term child development.^1,2

In an interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Rutherford emphasized that the transition to parenthood begins well before birth, with psychological and neurobiological processes unfolding during pregnancy. Parents often begin bonding with their child prenatally, and stronger attachment during this time is associated with improved outcomes for maternal health, well-being, and child development. This underscores the importance of exploring early relational factors that can influence family health across generations.

The study measured fetal movement objectively using Doppler technology over a 30-minute session, focusing on the frequency and duration of activity. Researchers found that mothers whose fetuses were more active reported stronger emotional attachment to their unborn child. Notably, these results align with prior studies that relied on mothers’ subjective reports of fetal movement, but the new approach adds rigor by incorporating an objective, quantitative measure. Even after adjusting for factors such as parity and knowledge of fetal sex, the association remained strong, reinforcing the reliability of the findings.

Clinically, Rutherford suggested that fetal movement monitoring offers a low-cost, low-tech avenue to support maternal-fetal attachment. Beyond its well-established role as an indicator of fetal health and well-being, movement may also serve as a communicative signal that enhances bonding. Interventions such as structured fetal movement counting could be framed not only as tools for health surveillance but also as opportunities for mothers to engage emotionally with their developing baby. Randomized trials have suggested that the value lies less in counting alone, and more in the mindful attention mothers give to the baby during these moments.

This dual role of fetal movement, as both a biological health marker and a psychological bonding tool, provides new opportunities for prenatal care. By fostering attachment during pregnancy, clinicians may be able to improve family outcomes earlier, rather than waiting for postpartum interventions.

Looking ahead, Rutherford and colleagues are expanding this line of research to explore maternal brain activity in response to fetal movement, as well as testing these findings in more clinically relevant populations, including mothers experiencing depression or anxiety. The ultimate goal is to translate these insights into meaningful, accessible interventions that strengthen maternal-child relationships during the earliest stages of development.

No relevant disclosures.

References

1. Do fetal movements influence the level of attachment between mother and baby? Bial Foundation. September 17, 2025. Accessed September 22, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1098640.
2. Ayla K, Falcioni L, Elibott J, Lamore J, Voegtline K, Rutherford HJV. Associations between fetal movement and maternal-fetal attachment in late pregnancy. Early Human Development. 2025;210. doi:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106351