[Quantitative studies on maternal perception of fetal movement with two ultrasonic real-time scanners]

In this study, the relationship between actual fetal movement in utero and maternal perception was investigated with the use of two ultrasonic real-time scanners and a cardiotocogram. The movements of body, arms, legs, fetal breathing, uterine contractions and maternal perception of fetal movement were quantitatively analyzed. 37% of all fetal movements were recognized by the mother. Only 15% of isolated movements of fetal extremities were perceived by the mother. 72% of strong body movements with both hands and legs were recognized. No relationship between the duration and times of fetal movement and gestational weeks was found. On the other hand, a close relationship between the maternal perception rate and gestational weeks was found (28-30W, 48%; 34-35W, 53%; 40W, 67%; R = 0.903). As for the parity of the mother, multiparous women were found to be more sensitive than primiparous women (p less than 0.005). (This study was supported by Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung in F.R.G.).