Effect of Partner-Conducted Fetal Heart Sound Measurement on Maternal and Paternal Attachment (FHS-ATTACH)

Inonu University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Prenatal Attachment, Maternal Expectations, Paternal Involvement

Treatments: Behavioral: Partner-Conducted Fetal Heart Sound Measurement

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06965647

10576553

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

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).

Enrollment: 120 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

• 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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

---

120 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention Group

Experimental group

Description:

Couples who met the inclusion criteria were invited from Hasköy Family Health Center. Based on national prenatal care guidelines, two sessions were scheduled at 28-32 weeks and 33-38 weeks of gestation. Fathers were trained on Leopold maneuvers and fetal heart sound measurement. Under midwife supervision, fathers performed Leopold maneuvers and fetal heart sound measurements using a Doppler device. The intervention was applied twice.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Partner-Conducted Fetal Heart Sound Measurement

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

Couples in the control group received standard prenatal follow-up. At 28-32 and 33-38 weeks, data were collected using the same tools without any intervention. During routine visits, the fetal heart sound measurement and Leopold maneuvers were performed by the midwife as part of standard care.