Decreased fetal movements - An audit of predictors and an evaluation of management based on a locally developed flow...

Decreased fetal movements (DFM) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to look at the risk factors associated with DFM and outcomes of women who presented with and without DFM and outcomes before and after the implementation of a locally developed flow chart based on an evidence-based guideline.

This was a retrospective audit of 1165 women ≥ 28 weeks' gestation with a singleton pregnancy who presented with concerns regarding DFM. We compared labor and neonatal outcomes to 4706 in a control group who did not present with concerns regarding FM. We also compared the same pregnancy outcomes before and after the implementation of hospital guidelines on the management of DFM. Statistical analyses were performed primarily using Chi square analysis and relative risk.

1165 women presented 1645 times with DFM. Women presenting with DFM were younger, (82.8% vs 79.0%, p= <0.01 were 20 to 34-years old), tended to have a higher BMI (42.9% vs 34.4%, p=<0.001 with BMI ≥ 30) and were more likely to have mental health conditions (31.1% vs 24.2%, p=<0.01). There was no difference in the composite neonatal outcome including stillbirth, 5 min APGAR < 7 and Special Care Nursery (SCN) admission between DFM and control (22.9 vs 24.8% respectively, P = 0.18). There was no difference in perinatal outcomes pre- and post-implementation of the hospital guidelines on DFM management. Women presenting with DFM were more likely to have an induction (40.7% vs 29.9% p=<0.01) but not more likely to have a caesarean section (30.9% vs 28.8% respectively, p = 0.16). There were increasing rates of IOL with increasing number of presentations for DFM. Adoption of and adherence to locally developed guidelines was an opportunity to ensure all clinicians provide consistent advice on management and timing of birth for women presenting with DFM.