Fetal movement counting--maternal concern and experiences: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Pregnancy Monitoring

Background:

• Fetal movement counting is a method to monitor fetal well-being.
• Concerns exist regarding its potential to increase maternal anxiety.
• This study investigated the impact of fetal movement counting on maternal concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if routine fetal movement counting from 28 weeks of gestation increases maternal concern.
• To compare maternal concern levels between women who count fetal movements and those receiving standard antenatal care.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, controlled trial involving 1,013 women with singleton pregnancies.
• Random assignment to either daily fetal movement counting or standard antenatal care.
• Maternal concern was measured using the Cambridge Worry Scale; intention-to-treat analysis was performed.

Main Results:

• Women performing fetal movement counting reported significantly less concern (mean difference of 0.14 on the Cambridge Worry Scale, p<0.001).
• The frequency of concern about decreased fetal activity was similar between groups (45% vs 42%).
• Seventy-nine percent of women responded favorably to using fetal movement counting charts.

Conclusions:

• Fetal movement counting in the third trimester is associated with reduced maternal concern compared to standard care.
• The practice does not appear to increase anxiety regarding decreased fetal activity.
• The use of fetal movement counting charts is generally viewed positively by pregnant women.