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Aiob A, Toma R, Wolf M, Haddad Y, Odeh M. Cerebroplacental ratio and neonatal outcome in low-risk pregnancies with reduced fetal movement: A prospective study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X 2022; 14:100146. [PMID: 35308423 PMCID: PMC8927905 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2022.100146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) in predicting poor outcomes in low-risk pregnancies with reduced fetal movements (RFMs). Study Design This prospective study included singleton pregnancies at 28–40 weeks, presenting with RFM but no additional risk factors. Sub analysis was performed for pregnancies between 36 and 40 weeks. Umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility indices (PIs) were measured, and the MCA-PI to UA-PI ratio (CPR) was calculated. Mode of delivery, gestational age, fetal monitoring category, Apgar score at 1 and 5 min, birth weight, presence of meconium, umbilical artery pH, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission were recorded. Women with good and poor outcomes were compared with doppler indices and pregnancy characteristics. Results Of 96 women, 86 had good outcomes. There was no significant difference in UA-PI (0.871 ± 0.171 vs. 0.815 ± 0.179, P = 0.446), MCA-PI (1.778 ± 0.343 vs. 1.685 ± 0.373, P = 0.309), or CPR (2.107 ± 0.635 vs. 2.09 ± 0.597, P = 0.993) between the poor and good outcome groups. No difference was found in the location of the placenta, biophysical profile (BPP) score, fetal sex, or amniotic fluid index (AFI) at the time of presentation. The proportion of nulliparous patients in the poor outcome group was higher than that of multiparous patients. Sub analysis for 36–40 weeks revealed the same results; no significant difference in UA-PI (0.840 ± 0.184 Vs 0.815 ± 0.195, P = 0.599), MCA-PI (1.724 ± 0.403 vs. 1.626 ± 0.382, P = 0.523), or CPR (2.14 ± 0.762 vs. 2.08 ± 0.655, P = 0.931) between poor and good outcome groups. Conclusions CPR is not predictive of neonatal outcome in low-risk pregnancies with RFM. However, a higher proportion of poor outcomes in nulliparous women warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala Aiob
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 22100, Israel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed 52000, Israel
- Correspondence to: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, POB 22, Nahariya 22100, Israel.
| | - Ruba Toma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 22100, Israel
| | - Maya Wolf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 22100, Israel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed 52000, Israel
| | - Yosef Haddad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 22100, Israel
| | - Marwan Odeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 22100, Israel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed 52000, Israel
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Abstract
Introduction: Counting of fetal movement (FM) during pregnancy is believed to be a method by which a woman estimates the fetal well-being. In 2015, it was estimated that 2.6 million babies had died in utero. A percentage of 30-55% of women who experience an episode of reduced fetal movement (RFM) within a week may face stillbirth. Aim: The aim of this review was to assess the impact of reduced fetal movements and of educational interventions on maternal counting of fetal movements on perinatal mortality, perinatal outcome and mode of delivery. Methods: A search of electronic databases was conducted for detecting studies that examine the coincidence of reduced fetal movements (RFM) in combination with stillbirth and perinatal morbidity. Results: The findings of this review suggest that there is an association between the incidence of stillbirth and the experience of alterations in fetal movements’ quantity and quality in the preceding weeks. Interventions on fetal movement counting, concerning both the number and the density of fetal movements, may reduce the adverse perinatal outcomes to an extent, after informing and making aware of the pregnant women for their meaning. Conclusion: Maternity care professionals should: a) inform pregnant women about the importance of FM counting, b) encourage pregnant women to be familiarized on the recognition of theirs’ baby normal pattern of fetal movements and c) alarm women when this pattern changes. Care professionals should emphasize that counting of fetal movements is not related only to movements’ quantity (number) but also to movements’ quality (density).
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Akselsson A, Lindgren H, Georgsson S, Pettersson K, Rådestad I. Increased labor induction and women presenting with decreased or altered fetal movements - a population-based survey. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216216. [PMID: 31048896 PMCID: PMC6497262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Women’s awareness of fetal movements is important as perception of decreased fetal movements can be a sign of a compromised fetus. We aimed to study rate of labor induction in relation to number of times women seek care due to decreased or altered fetal movements during their pregnancy compared to women not seeking such care. Further, we investigated the indication of induction. Material and methods A prospective population-based cohort study including all obstetric clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. Questionnaires were distributed to women who sought care due to decreased or altered fetal movements ≥ 28 week’s gestation in 2014, women for whom an examination did not indicate a compromised fetus that required induction of labor or cesarean section when they sought care. Women who gave birth at ≥ 28 weeks’ gestation in 2014 in Stockholm comprises the reference group. Results Labor was induced more often among the 2683 women who had sought care due to decreased or altered fetal movements (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3–1.5). In women who presented with decreased or altered fetal movements induction of labor occurred more frequently for fetal indication than those with induction of labor and no prior fetal movement presentation (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4–1.8). The rate of induction increased with number of times a woman sought care, RR 1.3 for single presentation to 3.2 for five or more. Conclusions We studied women seeking care for decreased or altered fetal movements and for whom pregnancy was not terminated with induction or caesarean section. Subsequent (median 20 days), induction of labor and induction for fetal indications were more frequent in this group compared to the group of women with no fetal movement presentations. Among women seeking care for altered or decreased fetal movements, the likelihood of induction of labor increased with frequency of presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Akselsson
- Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women and Children´s Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Helena Lindgren
- Department of Women and Children´s Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Georgsson
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- The Swedish Red Cross University College, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Pettersson
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Heazell AEP, Budd J, Li M, Cronin R, Bradford B, McCowan LME, Mitchell EA, Stacey T, Martin B, Roberts D, Thompson JMD. Alterations in maternally perceived fetal movement and their association with late stillbirth: findings from the Midland and North of England stillbirth case-control study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020031. [PMID: 29982198 PMCID: PMC6042603 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report perception of fetal movements in women who experienced a stillbirth compared with controls at a similar gestation with a live birth. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING 41 maternity units in the UK. PARTICIPANTS Cases were women who had a late stillbirth ≥28 weeks gestation (n=291) and controls were women with an ongoing pregnancy at the time of the interview (n=733). Controls were frequency matched to cases by obstetric unit and gestational age. METHODS Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire which included questions on maternal perception of fetal movement (frequency, strength, increased and decreased movements and hiccups) in the 2 weeks before the interview/stillbirth. Five fetal movement patterns were identified incorporating the changes in strength and frequency in the last 2 weeks by combining groups of similar pattern and risk. Multivariable analysis adjusted for known confounders. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Association of maternally perceived fetal movements in relation to late stillbirth. RESULTS In multivariable analyses, women who reported increased strength of movements in the last 2 weeks had decreased risk of late stillbirth compared with those whose movements were unchanged (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.18, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.26). Women with decreased frequency (without increase in strength) of fetal movements were at increased risk (aOR 4.51, 95% CI 2.38 to 8.55). Daily perception of fetal hiccups was protective (aOR 0.31, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.56). CONCLUSIONS Increased strength of fetal movements and fetal hiccups is associated with decreased risk of stillbirth. Alterations in frequency of fetal movements are important in identifying pregnancies at increased risk of stillbirth, with the greatest risk in women noting a reduction in fetal activity. Clinical guidance should be updated to reflect that increase in strength and frequency of fetal movements is associated with the lowest risk of stillbirth, and that decreased fetal movements are associated with stillbirth. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02025530.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E P Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biological, Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jayne Budd
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Minglan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Robin Cronin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Billie Bradford
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Edwin A Mitchell
- Department of Paediatrics, Child Health and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Bill Martin
- Department of Obstetrics, Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Devender Roberts
- Department of Obstetrics, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - John M D Thompson
- Department of Paediatrics, Child Health and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Akselsson A, Georgsson S, Lindgren H, Pettersson K, Rådestad I. Women's attitudes, experiences and compliance concerning the use of Mindfetalness- a method for systematic observation of fetal movements in late pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2017; 17:359. [PMID: 29037234 PMCID: PMC5644086 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-017-1548-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal perception of decreased fetal movements and low awareness of fetal movements are associated with a negative birth outcome. Mindfetalness is a method developed for women to facilitate systematic observations of the intensity, character and frequency of fetal movements in late pregnancy. We sought to explore women’s attitudes, experiences and compliance in using Mindfetalness. Methods We enrolled 104 pregnant women treated at three maternity clinics in Stockholm, Sweden, from February to July of 2016. We educated 104 women in gestational week 28–32 by providing information about fetal movements and how to practice Mindfetalness. Each was instructed to perform the assessment daily for 15 min. At each subsequent follow-up, the midwife collected information regarding their perceptions of Mindfetalness, and their compliance. Content analyses, descriptive and analytic statistics were used in the analysis of data. Results Of the women, 93 (89%) were positive towards Mindfetalness and compliance was high 78 (75%). Subjective responses could be binned into one of five categories: Decreased worry, relaxing, creating a relationship, more knowledge about the unborn baby and awareness of the unborn baby. Eleven (11%) women had negative perceptions of Mindfetalness, citing time, and the lack of need for a method to observe fetal movements as the most common reasons. Conclusion Women in late pregnancy are generally positive about Mindfetalness and their compliance with daily use is high. The technique helped them to be more aware of, and create a relationship with, their unborn baby. Mindfetalness can be a useful tool in antenatal care. However, further study is necessary in order to determine whether the technique is able to reduce the incidence of negative birth outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Akselsson
- Sophiahemmet University and Department of women and Child's Health, Karolinska Institutet, PB 5605, S-114 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Susanne Georgsson
- Sophiahemmet University and Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Lindgren
- Department of Women and Child's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Pettersson
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Aviram A, Shmueli A, Hiersch L, Ashwal E, Wiznitzer A, Yogev Y, Hadar E. Pregnancy Outcome in Women with Decreased Sensation of Fetal Movements at Term According to Parity. Birth 2016; 43:42-8. [PMID: 26643600 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decreased sensation of fetal movements (DFM) is a common maternal complaint. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the association between DFM and pregnancy outcome in singleton gestation at term according to parity. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies at term between 2008 and 2013. Eligibility was limited to women carrying a fetus with no known structural or chromosomal anomalies, at 37+0/7 to 42+0/7 weeks of gestation. Women presenting to the delivery ward with DFM were compared with women without similar complaints. RESULTS Overall, 12,564 nulliparous women and 25,292 multiparous women gave birth during the study period; of them, 300 nulliparous women (2.4%) and 525 multiparous women (2.1%) complained of DFM. For nulliparous women, after adjusting for potential confounders, DFM was associated with antepartum fetal death (aOR 4.6 [95% CI 1.1-19.8]), cesarean delivery (CD) (aOR 1.3 [95% CI 1.01-1.8]), 1-minute Apgar score less than 7 (aOR 2.3 [95% CI 1.5-3.5]) and neonatal seizures (aOR 3.2 [95% CI 1.3-8.2]). For multiparous women, DFM was associated with unscheduled CD (aOR 2.7 [95% CI 1.6-4.6]) and CD indicated by intermediate/abnormal fetal heart rate tracing (aOR 4.8 [95% CI 2.8-8.4]). CONCLUSIONS DFM carries different outcomes according to parity. Although for nulliparous women, DFM is associated with increased risk of CD and immediate adverse perinatal outcome, for multiparous women it is associated with increased risk for CD, with no immediate increased risk for adverse perinatal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Aviram
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Shmueli
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
| | - Liran Hiersch
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Ashwal
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
| | - Arnon Wiznitzer
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yariv Yogev
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Hadar
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
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Mohr Sasson A, Tsur A, Kalter A, Weissmann Brenner A, Gindes L, Weisz B. Reduced fetal movement: factors affecting maternal perception. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015; 29:1318-21. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2015.1047335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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