very briefly:

You asked if psychological theories recognize pre or post natal attachment processes. There are, in fact,  psychological theories that point to attachment process in  both the pre-birth as well as post birth periods. 

Verny is an example of theorist that acknowledges the contribution of intrauterine life and discusses the process of fetal maternal attachment. There is also work on the maternal process of attaching to the fetus as is exemplified by the  "The Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (Condon, 1993). 
 
Other theories, such as attachment theory (Ainsworth, Bowlby and many others) propose that the quality of attachment that children develop is contingent on their post natal experiences of interacting with sensitive caregivers. 

It has been my experience that theories that deal with the post natal period are more widely recognized and discussed than theories that focus on the pre-natal stage of development. 

It is important to note that relational theories point out that attaching to another human being is a process and is not dependent on one factor. Hence, a series of events must occur and optimally be repeated in a consistent fashion, in order for one to emotionally "attach" to another.   

Keren Epstein-Gilboa MEd BScN RN LCCE FACCE IBCLC
PhD (Candidate)  Human Development/Family Relations
Psychotherapist

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