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

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).