Haptonomy to strengthen prenatal bonding and reduce fear of childbirth for first-time parents
Official title: The Effect of Haptonomy Application for Primiparous Pregnant Women and Their Partners on Prenatal Attachment and Fear of Childbirth: A Randomized Controlled Study
Run by Nigde Omer Halisdemir University · NCT07263750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will test whether haptonomy — guided touch and bonding exercises — helps first-time pregnant women and their partners feel more attached to their baby and less afraid of childbirth.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 144 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nigde Omer Halisdemir University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Merkez, Sivas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 27, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07263750 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are primiparous pregnant women aged 19–35 at 24–26 weeks' gestation who live with their partner, have a planned pregnancy, attend childbirth classes, and can use video technology to follow the program.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients unlikely to benefit include those who are beyond 26 weeks, have an unplanned pregnancy, live separately from their partner, have prior haptonomy training, or cannot use the required video technology.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled study will enroll 72 primiparous couples (36 intervention, 36 control) at 24–26 weeks' gestation from a childbirth education program in Sivas, Turkey. The intervention group receives haptonomy education in class followed by a five-week, video-based home program delivered by email or WhatsApp, with couples asked to practice once weekly for 40 minutes; the control group receives no additional intervention. Outcomes (prenatal attachment and fear of childbirth) are measured before the intervention and after five weeks using validated scales (PAI, W-DEQ A, PFAS, FFOC) and analyzed with appropriate statistical tests including repeated measures and effect-size calculations. The study excludes multiparous women, those with unplanned pregnancies, and participants unable to use video technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve prenatal bonding and reduce childbirth-related fear in first-time parents, potentially easing labor experiences and early parenting.
How similar studies have gone: Touch-based prenatal bonding programs have some supportive but limited evidence, and haptonomy-specific randomized trials remain scarce.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * • At least a primary school graduate * Between the 24th and 26th weeks of pregnancy * According to calculations made by ultrasound based on the last menstrual period or, for pregnant women who do not know their last menstrual period, between the 24th and 26th weeks of pregnancy * Primiparous * No history of abortion/curettage * Planned/desired pregnancy * Desired baby gender * Living with spouse * Attended pregnancy classes * Able to use technology such as computers and mobile phones to watch videos * No barriers to understanding questions and responding * No previous training on fear of childbirth or prenatal bonding * Not having previously received education on haptonomy or practised haptonomy * Not undergoing infertility treatment * Being between the ages of 19 and 35 Exclusion Criteria: * • Be at least 26 weeks pregnant * Live separately from spouse * Have an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy * Not want the baby to be of a specific gender * Not use technology * Be a high-risk pregnancy * Have previously received training on fear of childbirth and prenatal bonding * Having previously received training in haptonomy and practised haptonomy * Deciding to discontinue haptonomy practice after the study began and/or giving birth prematurely before completing the practice sessions
Where it's running
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Sivas Cumhuriyet University
Merkez, Sivas, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nilüfer Tugut, Prof. Dr. — Cumhuriyet University
- Study coordinator: Nilüfer Tuğut, Prof. Dr.
- Email: nlfrtugut@gmail.com
- Phone: +0905327754828
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.