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

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Prenatal Attachment, Maternal Expectations, Paternal Involvement

• Registration Number: NCT06965647
• Lead Sponsor: Inonu University

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed 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).

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2022-07-15
• Primary Completion: 2024-06-15
• Study First Submitted: 2024-06-18
• Study Completion: 2024-09-02
• Status Verified: 2024-12
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-05-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-05-02
• Study First Posted: 2025-05-11
• Last Update Posted: 2025-05-11

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 120

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Prenatal Paternal Attachment Level	From 28-38 weeks of gestation (approximately 10 weeks)	Change in paternal attachment scores, measured using the Prenatal Paternal Attachment Scale (PPAS), before and after partner-conducted fetal heart sound measurement.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Prenatal Maternal Attachment Level	From 28-38 weeks of gestation (approximately 10 weeks)	Change in maternal attachment scores, measured using the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI), before and after the intervention.
Parental Expectations (Mother and Father)	From 28-38 weeks of gestation (approximately 10 weeks)	Change in maternal and paternal expectations measured using validated Maternity and Paternity Expectation Scales before and after the intervention.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

İnönü üniversitesi; 🇹🇷 Malatya, Turkey