A STUDY OF MATERNAL PERCEPTION OF DECREASED FOETAL MOVEMENT AND PERINATAL OUTCOME

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fetal movement is described as motion of the fetus perceived by the mother and is considered as a sign of foetal wellbeing. A reduction of foetal movements causes concern and anxiety, both to the mother and obstetrician.Decreased foetal movements are regarded as a marker for suboptimal intrauterine conditions,possibly of placental dysfunction and intrauterine stress. Evaluation of maternal perception of decrease foetal movement is done by taking proper history,daily foetal movement count (DFMC),non-stress test (NST) and ultrasonography. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to find out perinatal outcome among women with decreased foetal movements. The rational for the study is that our findings should contribute to maternal understanding of foetal wellbeing in utero,and possible ways to work with mothers to prevent intrauterine foetal deaths and stillbirths. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a hospital based descriptive study conducted at Obstetrics and Gynaecology department, Srimati Heera Kunwar Ba Mahila Chikitsalaya,Jhalawar Medical College Jhalawar from November 2018 to October 2019. Ethical approval was taken from ethical committee and written informed consent was taken from the participants.Total 192 women were included in the study with complain of decreased foetal movements.To ev aluate the foetal well-being daily foetal movement count (DFMC),non-stress test (NST) and ultrasonography was done. RESULT: There was no statistically significant association between DFMC and foetal outcome, but reactive NST is associated with good foetal outcome. CONCLUSION: W rd e conclude that reduced foetal movement during 3 trimester could be ominous sign. Our study suggests that NST,sonography and DFMC may be used to evaluate the women complaining of decrease foetal movement and may identify the women at risk for adverse perinatal outcome.