Establishing a reference value for the frequency of fetal movements using modified 'count to 10' method

Area of Science:

• Maternal-fetal medicine
• Obstetrics
• Fetal monitoring

Background:

• Assessing fetal well-being is crucial during pregnancy.
• Maternal perception of fetal movements is a key indicator.
• Establishing reliable reference values for fetal movement frequency is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a reference value for the frequency of perceived fetal movements.
• To define normal fetal movement patterns in the latter half of pregnancy.
• To provide a benchmark for identifying potential fetal distress.

Main Methods:

• A modified 'count to 10' method was used.
• 705 low-risk pregnant women participated.
• Women recorded the time to perceive 10 fetal movements daily.

Main Results:

• Reference values for 'count to 10' time were established from 22 to 40 weeks gestation.
• The time to perceive 10 fetal movements remained relatively stable until 32 weeks, then gradually increased.
• 90th percentile values were determined for different gestational age ranges.

Conclusions:

• A reference value for perceived fetal movements was established for the second half of pregnancy.
• The modified 'count to 10' method is efficient and yields high-quality data.
• This reference value can aid in identifying mothers experiencing decreased fetal movements.