The Effects of Fetal Movements Counting on Maternal-Fetal Attachment: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: With the decrease in fetal activity, the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes increases and timely reporting by mother may decrease the risk of fetal death. There are conflicting reports about the impact of fetal movement counting on maternal-fetal attachment and this study is trying to address this issue. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of fetal movements counting on maternal-fetal attachment. Materials and Methods: In a randomised controlled trial from October 2012 to December 2013, 250 nulliparous women referred to Health Centers to receive the prenatal care. The Ultrasound screening was performed in 16th-18th weeks of gestation and multiple pregnancy and fetal malformations were excluded (n=4). Thirty-eight of participants did not return the baseline questionnaire and 208 women were randomly allocated into the two groups to either fetal movement counting or to standard antenatal care. Main outcome was maternal-fetal attachment, measured by the Prenatal Attachment Inventory. The analysis was performed by SPSS and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: No difference was found between the groups with respect to individual characteristics. At 28 weeks of gestation, the mean scores given to Prenatal Attachment Inventory items, was 90.23±9.64 in the intervention group and 90.00±10.04 in the control group and the difference was not significant (Mean difference=0.230, p=0.866). Also, no significant difference was found at 37 weeks of gestation between the two groups (93.75±7.59 vs 92.78±9.90 respectively, mean difference=0.961, p=0.433). Conclusion: The counting of fetal movements by mother from 28 to 37 weeks of gestation did not affect the maternal-fetal attachment in nulliparous women. The investigation of fetal movement counting on psychological factors of mother was suggested. © 2018, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved.