Effect of Partner-Conducted Fetal Heart Sound Measurement on Maternal and Paternal Attachment

Inonu University120 enrolled

Overview

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of fetal heart sound (FHS) measurement performed by the partner on prenatal maternal and paternal expectations and attachment levels. A total of 120 couples (60 intervention, 60 control) participated in the study.

This experimental study was conducted to determine the effect of partner-conducted fetal heart sound (FHS) measurement on prenatal maternal and paternal expectations and attachment. The study included 120 couples (60 intervention, 60 control) whose pregnancies were between 28 and 38 weeks, and who were registered at Hasköy Family Health Center in Muş, Turkey. In the intervention group, the father was trained in Leopold maneuvers and performed the FHS measurement twice - once during 28-32 weeks and again during 33-38 weeks of gestation. Data collection tools included the Prenatal Maternity Expectations Scale, Prenatal Paternity Expectations Scale, Prenatal Attachment Inventory, and the Paternal Antenatal Attachment Scale. Data were collected before the first FHS measurement (pre-test) and after the second (post-test). The control group received standard prenatal monitoring by healthcare staff without involving the partner. The study was approved by the Malatya Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Approval No: 2022/3968).

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

120

Conditions

Prenatal Attachment, Maternal Expectations, Paternal Involvement

Interventions

Partner-Conducted Fetal Heart Sound MeasurementBEHAVIORAL

Expectant fathers in the intervention group were trained in basic Leopold maneuvers and fetal heart sound measurement using a Doppler device. Under the supervision of a midwife, fathers located the fetus's back, applied gel, and measured the heart sound during prenatal visits at 28-32 and 33-38 weeks of gestation.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 45 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

\- Inclusion Criteria: Women between 28 and 38 weeks of gestation * Age between 18 and 45 years * Ability to read and write * No diagnosed psychiatric illness * Healthy pregnancy * Attending prenatal visits with their partner Exclusion Criteria: * Women with diagnosed psychiatric conditions * Couples unwilling to participate * Incomplete data forms * Those who moved out of the study area during follow-up * Women without their partners during visits

Locations (1)

İnönü üniversitesi

Malatya, Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Prenatal Paternal Attachment Level

Change in paternal attachment scores, measured using the Prenatal Paternal Attachment Scale (PPAS), before and after partner-conducted fetal heart sound measurement.

Time frame: From 28-38 weeks of gestation (approximately 10 weeks)

Secondary Outcomes

Prenatal Maternal Attachment Level

Change in maternal attachment scores, measured using the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI), before and after the intervention.

Time frame: From 28-38 weeks of gestation (approximately 10 weeks)

Parental Expectations (Mother and Father)

Change in maternal and paternal expectations measured using validated Maternity and Paternity Expectation Scales before and after the intervention.

Time frame: From 28-38 weeks of gestation (approximately 10 weeks)

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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