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

The Effect of Partner-Conducted Fetal Heart Sound Measurement on Maternal-Paternal Expectations and Maternal-Paternal Attachment: An Experimental Study

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.

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).

- 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