The Enchanting Symphony of Haptonomy's Impact on Attachment and Spousal Harmony for Women Conceiving Through Infertility Treatment - Trial NCT06274138

Timeline & Enrollment

Primary Outcome

Marital adjustment score,Prenatal attachment score,Father attachment score

Summary

Pregnancies resulting from infertility treatment are considered normal and 'low-risk' in some
 countries, they often entail significant stress. Prenatal attachment may be experienced
 differently by parents conceiving through fertility interventions. The rising prevalence of
 fertility treatments is associated with increased risks such as preterm birth, low birth
 weight, and perinatal mortality for pregnancies achieved through infertility treatments.
 Beyond medical implications, post-infertility treatment pregnancies can induce high levels of
 anxiety and a perception of pregnancy as risky, affecting individuals psychologically. The
 transition to parenthood after infertility treatment can be psychologically challenging.
 
 Healthy prenatal attachment in expectant mothers fosters the development of a healthy role as
 both mother and father. Maternal bonding is closely tied to a woman's mental health during
 the prenatal period and her commitment to her baby. Similarly, prenatal bonding with the
 father sheds light on the emotional connection developing between the father and the unborn
 child. Active participation in prenatal experiences, such as attending ultrasound
 appointments or discussing parenting plans, contributes to a stronger sense of attachment for
 fathers and establishes a positive foundation for future bonding. Supportive partner
 relationships during pregnancy enhance paternal bonding and emphasize the importance of a
 collaborative approach to prenatal care for both parents. The prenatal period is critical for
 fathers to establish an early emotional connection with their unborn children, laying a
 positive groundwork for postnatal bonding.
 
 Various interventions aim to enhance communication between parents and augment prenatal
 attachment. One such practice is haptonomy-haptotherapy. Haptotherapy focuses on restoring
 emotional connections, especially with one's own body. It helps individuals recognize their
 emotional capacities and allows them to experience these capacities through insightful
 conversations, therapeutic touch, and skill exercises. In the context of pregnancy, haptonomy
 involves physical contact between the pregnant woman, her partner, and the unborn baby.
 Advocates of haptonomy believe that this touch-based communication can strengthen the bond
 between parents and the baby, promote a sense of security, and positively influence the
 pregnancy experience.
 
 Haptonomy is thought to contribute positively to the psychological well-being of women during
 pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, potentially preventing mental health issues and
 enhancing the health of both mother and baby. It is emphasized that haptonomy is a distinct
 practice focused on enhancing communication between parents and the baby. Existing literature
 suggests that haptonomy can increase emotional bonding during the prenatal period and may be
 effective for parents showing low attachment. Studies indicate that touch communication
 develops from the second month, involving vibrations for communicating with the fetus,
 ultimately increasing bonding through haptonomy. Furthermore, haptonomy is reported to
 enhance both spousal and parental attachment, as demonstrated in a study emphasizing
 increased attachment for fathers with their partners and children.
 
 Despite documented benefits of haptonomy in various patient groups, from cancer patients
 undergoing chemotherapy to pregnant women and those with chronic pain, limited research
 exists on haptotherapy for pregnant women. This study aims to investigate the impact of
 partner-administered haptonomy on prenatal attachment and marital adjustment in pregnant
 women. Conducted through a randomized controlled experimental design, the study seeks to
 provide evidence by enhancing prenatal attachments in both mothers and fathers.
 
 Research Hypotheses:
 
 H0-1: The application of haptonomy by partners has an effect on maternal attachment in
 pregnant women.
 
 H1-1: The application of haptonomy by partners does not have an effect on maternal attachment
 in pregnant women.
 
 H0-2: The application of haptonomy by partners has no effect on paternal attachment in
 pregnant women.
 
 H1-2: The application of haptonomy by partners has an effect on paternal attachment in
 pregnant women.
 
 H0-3: The application of haptonomy by partners has no effect on marital adjustment in
 pregnant women.
 
 H1-3: The application of haptonomy by partners has an effect on marital adjustment in
 pregnant women.

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