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Fetal movements in hypertensive pregnancies
The maternally perceived fetal movements counts of 273 hypertensive patients were compared to normal controls and their degree of fetal activity was related to perinatal outcome. Pregnancy induced hypertension was associated with fetal activity which was significantly lower than controls at the beginning of the third trimester and significantly higher at term. In cases of chronic hypertension patients, 8 had cessation or marked reduction of fetal movements to less than 4 in 12 hours, and all had poor fetal outcome. The remaining 265 hypertensive patients had a 92% incidence of good fetal outcome. Markedly reduced fetal movements in hypertensive patients are highly suggestive of fetal distress and following verification by additional tests the appropriate clinical measures should be undertaken.
The maternally perceived fetal movements counts of 273 hypertensive patients were compared to normal controls and their degree of fetal activity was related to perinatal outcome. Pregnancy induced hypertension was associated with fetal activity which was significantly lower than controls at the beginning of the third trimester and significantly higher at term. In cases of chronic hypertension patients, 8 had cessation or marked reduction of fetal movements to less than 4 in 12 hours, and all had poor fetal outcome. The remaining 265 hypertensive patients had a 92% incidence of good fetal outcome. Markedly reduced fetal movements in hypertensive patients are highly suggestive of fetal distress and following verification by additional tests the appropriate clinical measures should be undertaken.