The presence of a mental disorder in the mother is one of the key factors affecting attachment. The present study aimed to evaluate prenatal and postnatal attachment among mothers diagnosed with a mental health disorder by comparing them to a healthy group. The patient group included women who received follow-up care in a psychiatric clinic (74 pregnant and 75 postpartum), and the healthy group consisted of women who attended a follow-up polyclinic (118 pregnant and 82 postpartum). Data were collected using questionnaire forms, including the Prenatal Attachment Inventory and the Maternal Attachment Scale. Mothers diagnosed with a mental health disorder were determined to have lower attachment scores than the healthy group, both during the prenatal and postnatal periods. The literature suggests that mothers diagnosed with a mental health disorder showed low maternal attachment scores during pregnancy and/or the postnatal period. Psychiatric nurses should be involved in initiatives that may increase the prenatal and maternal attachment.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of sexual myths during pregnancy among pregnant women in Turkey and Iran and to compare the similarities and differences between the countries. This is a comparative and descriptive study. The sample included 200 pregnant women from Turkey and Iran. The data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form and Sexual Myths During Pregnancy Form. It was determined that the women in Turkey agreed more with statements, such as ‘the infant feels sexual intercourse’, ‘the infant becomes happy and healthy’, ‘sexual intercourse during pregnancy is safe’. As for pregnant women in Iran, it was determined that they were more hesitant to agree with statements, such as ‘sexual intercourse is a sin’ and ‘sexual intercourse causes infections’. In both countries, education on sexuality during pregnancy is needed to eliminate information deficiencies.