Daily fetal movement count chart: Reducing perinatal mortality in low risk pregnancy

Abstract

Background: A reduction or cessation of fetal movements (FMs) is frequently reported by pregnant women resulting in anxiety and concern. Formal counting of FMs by the pregnant woman could possibly identify the fetuses at risk. Methods: A prospective study was carried out over 500 booked cases after introducing daily fetal movement count (DFMC) Chart in the ninth month of pregnancy. Prior ultrasound (USG) was done in all cases. DFMC chart was used to record number of fetal movements perceived by patient for one hour after food (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Fetal movements were considered satisfactory if the count was three or more on each occasion. Result: During the study period, no fetus was lost after introduction of DFMC chart in the 250 cases that were given DFMC chart and delivered in our hospital (Nil perinatal mortality ). This was compared with 250 booked cases that were not given DFMC chart but had normal ultrasound done after completion of eight months of pregnancy and followed up. Five intrauterine deaths occurred in the ninth month in control group (2 % perinatal mortality). In the DFMC chart group, 15 patients were admitted with decreased fetal movements. Out of these, 12 were discharged after monitoring for three days and three cases were delivered. Conclusion: DFMC chart in ninth month of pregnancy helps in identifying at risk fetus in low risk pregnancies in absence of any other adverse factors necessitating early delivery.