Correlation study between increased fetal movement during the third trimester and neonatal outcome

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Health
• Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Analyzing the correlation between third-trimester fetal movement patterns and neonatal outcomes is crucial for prenatal care.
• Increased or excessive fetal movements are a common concern for expectant mothers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between increased fetal movements during the third trimester and various neonatal outcomes.
• To determine if heightened fetal activity can serve as a predictive marker for adverse neonatal conditions.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving pregnant women reporting increased fetal movements (n=219) and a control group (n=278).
• All participants underwent fetal non-stress testing.
• Analysis included neonatal weight, Apgar scores, amniotic fluid status, umbilical cord conditions, and incidence of small for gestational age (SGA), preterm delivery, and cesarean section.

Main Results:

• Increased fetal movements were observed around 31 and 39 weeks of gestation.
• Factors such as previous delivery history, gestational age, and vaginal birth rate were associated with increased fetal movements.
• Women reporting increased fetal movements had a higher likelihood of having a large for gestational age (LGA) neonate, especially after 37 weeks gestation.

Conclusions:

• Increased fetal movements in the third trimester may serve as a predictive indicator for adverse neonatal outcomes.
• Large for gestational age (LGA) is a significant neonatal outcome associated with heightened fetal activity.