Hug your way to a calmer pregnancy: touch therapy studied for new parents

This study looks at whether a technique called haptonomy—using gentle touch to bond with the baby—can reduce fear of childbirth and increase emotional attachment for first-time mothers and their partners. About 144 couples will be randomly assigned to receive haptonomy sessions or standard care. The goal is to see if this simple, non-drug approach can make pregnancy less scary and more connected.