The Effects of Angel Sounds and Guided Imagery Technique Played to Expectant Couples

The Effects of Angel Sounds and Guided Imagery Technique Played to Expectant Couples on Attachment, Anxiety and Sleep Quality

The study sample consisted of 177 pregnant women and their partners who met the inclusion criteria and participated in a prenatal education class. Expectant couples were randomized into three groups: Group 1 (FHS) listened to fetal heartbeat sounds, Group 2 (GIT) received the guided imagery intervention, and Group 3 served as the control group. Each group consisted of 59 couples.

Aim: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of listening to angel sounds (fetal heartbeat) and applying the guided imagery technique on prenatal attachment, anxiety, and sleep quality among expectant couples.

Methods: The study included 177 pregnant women and their partners who attended a prenatal education class and met the inclusion criteria. Expectant couples were randomly assigned into three equal groups. In Group 1 (FHS), only fetal heartbeat sounds were listened to. In Group 2 (GIT), the guided imagery technique was applied. Group 3 served as the control group. Each group consisted of 59 couples.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having basic literacy skills,
• Owning a smartphone and having internet access,
• Having a singleton and viable pregnancy,
• Being between the 27th and 38th weeks of gestation,
• Not having any diagnosed pregnancy-related risks (e.g., preeclampsia, diabetes, placenta previa, oligohydramnios),
• Not having any diagnosed fetal health issues (e.g., fetal anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction),
• Pregnant individuals and their spouses with no current or prior psychiatric diagnoses.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not living with their spouse,
• Spouse working in shifts,
• Pregnancy via assisted reproductive techniques,
• Currently participating in childbirth education programs,
• Presence of communication difficulties or cognitive impairments in either the pregnant individual or the spouse.

Withdrawal Criteria:

• Participated in the intervention for fewer than 3 nights,
• Unable to use the Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Device (FHRMD),
• Experiencing premature birth or pregnancy loss,
• Incomplete questionnaire data,
• Voluntary withdrawal from the study by the participant or their spouse. -