Prenatal Attachment, Maternal Expectations, Paternal Involvement
Conditions
Keywords
motherhood, fatherhood, prenatal attachment, partner involvement, fetal heart sound, parental expectations
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).
Interventions
BEHAVIORALPartner-Conducted Fetal Heart Sound Measurement
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.
Sponsors
Inonu University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Randomized controlled design with parallel groups
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion 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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 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
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed