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

NCT ID: NCT06965647

Last Updated: 2025-05-11

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 120 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2022-07-15
• Study Completion Date: 2024-09-02

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).

Conditions

Prenatal Attachment, Maternal Expectations, Paternal Involvement

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: SUPPORTIVE_CARE
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Intervention Group

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.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Partner-Conducted Fetal Heart Sound Measurement

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

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.

Control Group

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.

Group Type: NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

Partner-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.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• 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

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 45 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Inonu University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Kader ATABEY

Research Assistant

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

İnönü üniversitesi

Malatya, , Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Other Identifiers

10576553

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id