A STUDY OF FETOMATERNAL OUTCOME IN WOMEN WITH DECREASED FETAL MOVEMENTS AFTER THIRTY-FOUR WEEKS OF GESTATION
Authors: Dr Astha Khunteta*, Dr Hetal More, Dr KP Banerjee
Publication Date: 2026/07/07
DOI: 10.59551/DOI: 10.59551/IJHMP/25832069/2026.7.1.152
Abstract
<p>Background: Fetal movements serve as a crucial indicator of fetal well-being, reflecting the health and vitality of the fetus. Maternal awareness of these movements is a key component of antenatal care, as changes or a reduction in fetal activity can signal potential fetal distress.</p>
<p>Aim &objectives: To assess the incidence of adverse fetal outcomes in women with decreased fetal movements after 34 weeks of gestation, including fetal distress. To evaluate the maternal outcomes, including the mode of delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal complications related to decreased fetal movements. To analyze the effectiveness of different diagnostic and monitoring tools (e.g., non-stress tests, USG & Doppler studies) used in managing patients with decreased fetal movements.</p>
<p>Materials & methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the Dept. of Obs. & Gynae, NIMS Hospital, Jaipur from December 2023 to August 2024 focusing on the fetomaternal outcomes in women presenting with decreased fetal movements after 34 weeks of gestation. Sample size taken was 40.</p>
<p>Results: The study revealed that 52.5% of participants were aged between 26 and 30 years, with 65% being multiparous. Pregnancy outcomes were evenly split, with 50% resulting in term deliveries (37-41 weeks) and the other 50% being preterm (<36 weeks). Cesarean sections were performed in 52.5% of cases. A majority of participants (55%) reported decreased fetal movements lasting between 12 to 24 hours. Amniotic fluid levels were within the normal range (>8 cm) for 70% of cases, and 65% had reactive non-stress test (NST) results. Clear amniotic fluid was observed in 82.5% of deliveries. Neonatal outcomes were generally favorable, with 82.5% of newborns achieving APGAR scores above 7, and only 12.5% requiring admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).</p>
<p>Conclusion: Daily fetal movement counts are very effective, cheap and reliable method to diagnose fetal compromise early. Methods like NST, USG and Colour Doppler study are helpful in the identification of causes and timely management of women with decreased fetal movements and helpful to diagnose the fetus at risk and their timely delivery.</p>
<p>KEYWORDS: Pregnant Women, Gestational Age, Amniotic Fluid. </p>
References
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