The effect of partner-conducted fetal heart sound measurement on maternal-paternal expectations and maternal-paternal attachment: An experimental study

Aim: The research was conducted to determine the effect of partner-managed fetal heart sound measurement on prenatal maternal-paternal expectations and maternal-paternal attachment. Material and method: The sample of this randomized controlled study consisted of women registered at Muş Hasköy Family Health Center, 28-38 weeks of pregnancy. The study consisted of 120 pregnant women and their partners, including 60 experimental and 60 controls. In the first interview held in the training room of the family health center for the couples included in the experimental and control groups (28-32 weeks), "Parent Personal Information Form", "Prenatal Maternity Expectations Scale", "Prenatal Paternity Expectations Scale", "Prenatal Attachment" Pretest data were obtained using the "Prenatal Father Attachment Scale" and the second FHS measurement at 28-32 and 33-38 weeks of gestation, under the management of the partner. Data were obtained. In statistical evaluation, descriptive statistics, percentage distribution, arithmetic mean, t test and chi-square test were used in dependent and independent groups. The results were evaluated at a 95% confidence interval and a p<0.05 error level. Results: It was determined that the FHS measurement performed under partner management caused a significant increase in the motherhood expectations of the expectant mothers in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and the level of maternal attachment increased in both groups, but the increase in women in the experimental group was higher than in the control group (p < 0.001). It was determined that the fatherhood expectations and paternal attachment level of the prospective fathers in the experimental group who performed the FHS measurement increased significantly compared to the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: It was determined that FHS measurement applied under partner management increased the prenatal positive expectation level and maternal-paternal attachment in couples expecting a baby. Keywords: Motherhood-Fatherhood, Attachment, Expectation, FKS, Partner