Characteristic of First Fetal Movement Maternal Perception and the Relationship with Pregnancy Outcomes at Term

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the relationship between properties of gestational period in which pregnant women feel their baby’s movements for the first time, and pregnancy outcomes at term
METHODS: This longitudinal prospective study conducted at a tertiary center between June 2016 and September 2016. Of all, 272 pregnant women who gave birth at our clinic, were given a questionnaire at the time of a routine follow-up visit between 12 and 25 gestational weeks and were evaluated their pregnancy outcomes.The patient cohort was divided into two groups according to the gestational week in which fetal movements were felt for the first time by the pregnant women and comparisons were made between the groups.
RESULTS: The gestational week in which fetal movements were felt for the first time by the pregnant women were affected by placental settlement, maternal educational levels, and routine coffee consumption.There were no statistically significant differences between two groups regarding to the time at birth, gender of baby, birth weight and lenght, mode of delivery, value of low 5 min APGAR score(<7), fetal distress for emergency ceserean delivery and admission of neonatal intensive care unit. We were found significant differences between the groups according to low 1 min APGAR score ( <7), increase postterm pregnancy, contact their care provider for decreased fetal movements and admission to the hospital due to non reassuring NST(p=0.043,p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.002, respectively).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In pregnant women who delayed perception of first fetal movements, there was a significant increase in worrying complaints for pregnant women and care providers during the advanced gestational weeks.But, delayed maternal perception of first fetal movements is not associated with increased adverse pregnancy outcomes.