Assessing online search results for misinformation about reduced fetal movements

Reduced fetal movements (RFM) is a warning sign during pregnancy and must be assessed immediately. As pregnant women search online for RFM information before consulting with healthcare professionals, the accuracy of online information is crucial. Misinformation can lead to delayed medical attention and adverse outcomes.

The study aimed to examine the accuracy of RFM online information by analysing Google search results for misinformation.

Seven misinformation targets were identified. Google searches were conducted to identify webpages with RFM content. Webpages were evaluated against each target.

Half of the search results contained misinformation driven by commercial US webpages. The most common misinformation targets were advice to conduct a kick count, claims that a set number of kicks in a timeframe indicates the baby is well and suggestions for ways to stimulate movements, appearing in 49.5%, 43.2% and 25.0% of the results, respectively. Public health websites from the UK and Ireland appeared less frequently but were more accurate and appeared higher in the search results than less accurate webpages.

The poor quality of online information about RFM is concerning. The commonality of kick counting content on US commercial webpages might be due to the lack of US clinical guidelines. To improve the quality of online information, Google should deprioritise webpages containing misinformation, add a warning to RFM searches and have medical experts vet results. Healthcare providers should offer accurate information and advise against using commercial webpages. Public health and professional organisations should collaborate with websites to counter misinformation.