Reduced fetal movement: factors affecting maternal perception

Evaluate physiologic factors associated with reduced maternal perception of fetal movements (RFM).

A historical cohort study of all women (years 2011-2013, n = 399) that visited the maternal emergency room (ER) (gestational age 24 + 0-42 + 0) due to RFM (group A), that was compared to a control group consisted from women with normal perception of fetal movements (group B). Groups were compared for maternal characteristics (age, gravity, parity, BMI), gestational age, placental location, gestational age at birth and fetal outcomes (birth-weight and Apgar scores).

In a multivariate regression analysis, including maternal age, height, weight, BMI, gestational age on admission to ER, gravity, parity and placental location, only two variables remained significantly associated with RFM - nulliparity (OR = 2.28, p = 0.001) and anterior placenta (OR = 1.44, p = 0.034). Group A was not associated with lower Apgar scores (1 and 5-min, p = 0.40 and 0.57, respectively) or low birth-weight (p = 0.76), nor was it associated with prematurity (p = 0.41), low (<7) 5-min Apgar score, fetal death or neonatal death.

Reduced fetal movements are associated with anterior placenta and nulliparity.