Fetal Outcome in Pregnant Women with Decreased Fetal Movement at Term Pregnancies

Fatima  Safdar; Nuzhat  Amin

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v6i5.2105

Authors

Fatima Safdar Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Mardan Medical Complex, MTI Mardan, Pakistan
Nuzhat Amin Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Mardan Medical Complex, MTI Mardan, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v6i5.2105

Keywords:

Decreased Fetal Movements, Stillbirth, Apgar Score, Body Mass Index, Perinatal Outcome, Term Pregnancy

Abstract

Decreased fetal movement (DFM) in term pregnancies is an essential clinical warning sign that may be associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, including fetal compromise and stillbirth. Early identification and evaluation of fetal outcomes in women presenting with DFM are crucial for optimizing maternal and neonatal care. Objective: To determine fetal outcomes in women presenting with decreased fetal movement in term pregnancies at Mardan Medical Complex, Peshawar. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, from August 15, 2024, to February 15, 2025. A total of 142 women aged 18–40 years, with gestational age greater than 37 weeks, presenting with decreased fetal movement were included. Decreased fetal movement was defined as the perception of fewer than 10 fetal movements over two hours on two separate occasions. Fetal outcomes assessed included stillbirth and a one-minute Apgar score <5. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and outcomes were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Associations were evaluated using appropriate statistical tests, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean maternal age was 29.44 ± 6.72 years. A low one-minute Apgar score (<5) was observed in 24 neonates (16.9%), while stillbirth occurred in 7 cases (4.9%). A statistically significant association was found between maternal body mass index (BMI) >25.9 kg/m² and low Apgar score (p < 0.001), with 21 (87.5%) neonates with low Apgar scores born to mothers in this BMI category. Conclusion: Low Apgar score was the most common adverse fetal outcome among women presenting with decreased fetal movement at term, followed by stillbirth. An increased maternal BMI was significantly associated with low Apgar scores. Careful monitoring and timely intervention in women presenting with DFM, particularly those with elevated BMI, may help reduce adverse fetal outcomes.

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