Are reduced fetal movements "merely" a maternal perception or truly a reflection of umbilical cord complications? A clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize obstetric outcomes and the association with umbilical cord (UC) complications among women complaining of reduced fetal movements (RFMs). METHODS: This retrospective cohort compared women with a perception of RFMs within 2 weeks prior to delivery with women who reported no changes in fetal movements in terms of maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes. A primary outcome of UC complications at delivery was defined. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify independent associations with RFMs and UC complications. RESULTS: In all, 46 103 women were included, 2591 (5.6%) of whom reported RFMs and 43 512 (94.4%) in the control group. Compared with controls, the RFM group was more likely to be nulliparous (42.6% vs 32.2%, P < 0.001), smokers (6.4% vs 5.4%, P = 0.029), or obese (body mass index >30) (16.4% vs 11.6%, P < 0.001). They were also more likely to have an anterior placenta (56.2% vs 51.8%, P < 0.001) and poly/oligohydramnios (0.7% vs 0.4%, P = 0.015 and 3.6% vs 2.1%, P < 0.001, respectively). Induction of labor was more common in the RFM group (33.9% vs 19.7%, P < 0.001), as well as meconium (16.8% vs 15.0%, P = 0.026) and vacuum extractions (10.1% vs 8.0%, P < 0.001). Higher rates of stillbirth and the severe composite neonatal outcome were observed in the RFM group (1.5% vs 0.2%, P < 0.001 and 0.6% vs 0.3%, P = 0.010, respectively). The RFM group was characterized by higher rates of triple nuchal cord (P = 0.015), UC around body or neck (32.2% vs 29.6%, P = 0.010), and true knot (2.3% vs 1.4%, P = 0.002). Multivariable logistic regression found RFMs to be independently associated with triple nuchal cord and with a true cord knot. A sub-analysis including only cases of stillbirth (n = 127) revealed even higher rates of UC complications: 7% of all stillbirths presented with a true cord knot (20% true knots were found in stillbirths preceded by RFMs vs 6.1% in stillbirth cases without RFMs). Additionally, 33.8% of all stillbirths presented with nuchal cord (40% preceded by RFMs vs 33.3% without RFMs). CONCLUSIONS: RFMs are associated with increased risk of UC complications observed at delivery, as well as increased risk of stillbirth and neonatal adverse outcomes.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation complicating mild or asymptomatic maternal COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Hypercoagulability frequently complicates moderate or severe COVID-19 and can result in venous thromboembolism, arterial thrombosis, or microvascular thrombosis. Disseminated intravascular coagulation, however, is uncommon. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the clinical presentation and outcome in a series of pregnant patients with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 who had disseminated intravascular coagulation. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective case series. Cases were solicited via e-mails targeted to obstetrical providers in the Mednax National Medical Group and a restricted maternal-fetal medicine Facebook page. Inclusion criteria were: hospital admission during pregnancy, positive test for SARS-CoV-2 within 2 weeks of admission, and maternal disseminated intravascular coagulation defined as ≥2 of the following: platelet count ≤100,000 per mm3, fibrinogen ≤200 mg/dL, and prothrombin time ≥3 seconds above the upper normal limit. Exclusion criteria were severe COVID-19 requiring ventilation within an hour of diagnosis of coagulopathy or use of anticoagulants at the time of diagnosis. Maternal and newborn records were abstracted and summarized with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Inclusion criteria were met in 19 cases from October 2020 through December 2021. Of these, 18 had not received any COVID-19 vaccine, and 1 had unknown vaccination status. Median gestational age on hospital admission was 30 weeks (interquartile range, 29-34 weeks). The main presenting symptom or sign was decreased fetal movement (56%) or nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern (16%). COVID-19 was asymptomatic in 79% of cases. Two of the 3 defining coagulation abnormalities were found in 89% of cases and all 3 in the remaining 11%. Aspartate aminotransferase was elevated in all cases and ≥2 times the upper normal limit in 69%. Only 2 cases (11%) had signs of preeclampsia other than thrombocytopenia or transaminase elevation. Delivery was performed on the day of admission in 74% and on the next day in the remaining 26%, most often by cesarean delivery (68%) under general anesthesia (62%) because of nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern (63%). Postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 47% of cases. Blood product transfusions were given in 95% of cases, including cryoprecipitate (89% of cases), fresh/frozen plasma (79%), platelets (68%), and red cells (63%). Placental histopathology was abnormal in 82%, with common findings being histiocytic intervillositis, perivillous fibrin deposition, and infarcts or necrosis. Among the 18 singleton pregnancies and 1 twin pregnancy, there were 13 live newborns (65%) and 7 stillbirths (35%). Among liveborn neonates, 5-minute Apgar score was ≤5 in 54%, and among cases with umbilical cord blood gases, pH ≤7.1 was found in 78% and base deficit ≥10 mEq/L in 75%. Positive COVID-19 tests were found in 62% of liveborn infants. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of disseminated intravascular coagulation when a COVID-19 patient complains of decreased fetal movement in the early third trimester. If time allows, we recommend evaluation of coagulation studies and ordering of blood products for massive transfusion protocols before cesarean delivery if fetal tracing is nonreassuring.

Non Stress Test as a Predictor of Maternal and Fetal Outcome in Patients Presenting with Reduced Fetal Movement at Term.

BACKGROUND: Establishing the predictive utility of Non stress test could be helpful to improve perinatal outcome especially in countries like Nepal, with heavy workload and limited resources. The aim of the study was to assess association between Non stress test abnormalities and fetal outcome in terms of Apgar score and newborn intensive care unit admission rate for patient with decreased fetal movement. METHODS: The study included total 54 women with decreased fetal movement at term without any pregnancy complication not in labor admitted to paropakar maternity and women's hospital, Thapathali, Kathmandu from June 2020 to December 2020. Non stress test was done for 20 to 40 minutes and the readings were categorized in to three groups. The results were compared to see the relationship between normal, suspicious and abnormal Non stress test result in terms of mode of delivery, Apgar score, neonatal resuscitation and need for neonatal intensive care unit newborn intensive care unit admission. RESULTS: Total 54 cases remained under inclusion criteria were included in this study. Mode of delivery on the basis of Non stress test result shows that 31.48% with abnormal Non stress test had a Lower segment Caesarian section, 1.8% had instrumental vaginal delivery and 14.8% had spontaneous vaginal delivery. While in reassuring Non stress test group 20.4% had spontaneous vaginal, 0% had Lower segment Caesarian section and 1.85% had instrumental vaginal delivery. There is statistically significant relationship between Non stress test result and Apgar score. In reactive Non stress test result only5.4% required neonatal resuscitation. However, in persistently non-reassuring or abnormal Non stress test result, 62.1% require neonatal resuscitation. Similarly, in reactive Non stress test result none of the neonate required newborn intensive care unit admission. However, in persistently non-reassuring or abnormal Non stress test result 46.1% neonates require newborn intensive care unit admission. There were 9 neonatal mortalities from abnormal Non stress test result. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the Non stress test is a good predictor of maternal and fetal outcome detecting fetal hypoxia already present or likely to develop in patient presenting with reduced fetal movement in term pregnancies without complication.

Stillbirths preceded by reduced fetal movements are more frequently associated with placental insufficiency: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Maternal report of reduced fetal movements (RFM) is a means of identifying fetal compromise in pregnancy. In live births RFM is associated with altered placental structure and function. Here, we explored associations between RFM, pregnancy characteristics, and the presence of placental abnormalities and fetal growth restriction (FGR) in cases of stillbirth. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in a single UK tertiary maternity unit. Cases were divided into three groups: 109 women reporting RFM, 33 women with absent fetal movements (AFM) and 159 who did not report RFM before the diagnosis of stillbirth. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine associations between RFM/AFM, pregnancy characteristics, placental insufficiency and the classification of the stillbirth. RESULTS: AFM or RFM were reported prior to diagnosis of stillbirth in 142 (47.2%) of cases. Pregnancies with RFM prior to diagnosis of stillbirth were independently associated with placental insufficiency (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.79, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.84, 5.04) and were less frequently associated with maternal proteinuria (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.07, 0.62) and previous pregnancy loss <24 weeks (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07, 0.70). When combined, AFM and RFM were less frequently reported in twin pregnancies ending in stillbirth and in intrapartum stillbirths. CONCLUSIONS: The association between RFM and placental insufficiency was confirmed in cases of stillbirth. This provides further evidence that RFM is a symptom of placental insufficiency. Therefore, investigation after RFM should aim to identify placental dysfunction.

Reduced fetal movement during pregnancy: Is the Kleihauer-Betke test really useful?

INTRODUCTION: Reduced fetal movement (rFM) is a frequent cause of consultation during the pregnancy and can reveal feto-maternal hemorrhage (FMH) that is sometimes responsible of severe fetal anemia. Our primary objective was to evaluate the contribution of the KBT in case of rFM. Our secondary objective was to compare it with ultrasound examination including peak systolic velocity of the middle cerebral artery (MCA-PSV) to predict neonatal anemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study from January 2016 to December 2017 at Armand-Trousseau Hospital in Paris. We analyzed all patients consulting for rFM from 18 to 41 weeks of gestation. We compared the performance of KBT and MCA-PSV to predict neonatal anemia (Hemoglobin at birth under 13.5 g/dL) and severe neonatal anemia (Hb < 10 g/dL). RESULTS: Among the 338 patients, 327 KBT (96.7%) were performed. KBT was found positive in three cases (0.9%). Only one neonate (0.3%) presented with severe anemia requiring a postnatal transfusion. MCA-PSV was performed in 166 cases (49.1%). KBT and MCA-PSV were significantly correlated with neonatal hemoglobin at birth. KBT was better than MCA-PSV to predict neonatal anemia, while MCA-PSV was better than KBT to predict moderate to severe anemia. The KBT and MCA-PSV Doppler had excellent sensitivity and predictive negative values (100%), but they had poor predictive positive values for severe neonatal anemia. CONCLUSION: In case of decreased fetal movement, we suggest performing fetal cerebral Doppler. MCA-PSV could suffice in first approach. KBT may be performed if there is suspicion of fetal anemia in order to confirm FMH.

Fetal movement frequency and the effect of associated perinatal factors: Multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Decreased fetal movements are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, including stillbirth. Delayed maternal visits to a health care provider after perceiving decreased fetal movements are frequently observed in stillbirths. Informing pregnant women of the normal range of fetal movement frequency is essential in their earlier visits in order to prevent stillbirth. AIM: To investigate the fetal movement frequency in late pregnancy and the effects of associated perinatal factors. METHODS: This prospective multicenter study was conducted in 20 obstetric facilities in our region of Japan. A total of 2337 pregnant women were asked to record the time it took to perceive 10 fetal movements by the modified 'count to 10' method every day from 34weeks of gestation until delivery. FINDINGS: The 90th percentile of the time for the maternal perception of 10 fetal movements was 18-29min, with a gradually increasing trend toward the end of pregnancy. The numbers of both pregnant women giving birth after 39weeks' gestation and infants with a birth weight exceeding 3000g were significantly higher in mothers who took ≥30min to count 10 fetal movements than in those who took <30min. CONCLUSION: The maternal perception time of fetal movements shows a gradually increasing trend within 30min for 10 fetal movements by the modified 'count to 10' method. Informing pregnant women of the normal range of the fetal movement count time will help improve the maternal recognition of decreased fetal movements, which might prevent fetal death in late pregnancy.

Intermittent Sinusoidal Fetal Heart Rate and Massive Maternal-Fetal Hemorrhage: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: A sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern is a well-documented sign of maternal-fetal hemorrhage; however, an intermittent sinusoidal pattern is rare. CASE: This is a case of a 26-year-old primigravida who presented with decreased fetal movement. On fetal heart rate monitoring there were episodes of intermittent sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern, and the baby was born with anemia. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the need for increased vigilance and consideration of a diagnosis of maternal-fetal hemorrhage when an intermittent sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern is identified.

Massive Fetomaternal Hemorrhage Remote from Term: Favorable Outcome after Fetal Resuscitation and Conservative Management.

Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is a rare condition that requires early diagnosis and appropriate treatment due to its potentially severe consequences. We report a case of massive FMH presenting as decreased fetal movement, fetal hydrops, and intracranial hemorrhage at 24 weeks. Treatment considerations were made and amniocentesis, fetal blood sampling, and fetal blood transfusion via cordocentesis were performed. Recurrent FMH required subsequent fetal transfusion 2 days later. Surveillance was continued twice weekly until the patient delivered a viable infant at 38 weeks after spontaneous labor. Recurrent FMH was unpredictable due to its unclear etiology and absence of precipitating events, however close surveillance proved effective.

Management and Outcome of Reduced Fetal Movements-is Ultrasound Necessary?

OBJECTIVE: To review the management and outcome of pregnancies of women presenting to obstetrical triage with decreased fetal movements (DFM). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of women presenting with DFMs to two large Canadian obstetrical centres with a combined 9490 deliveries per year. The charts were reviewed for compliance with the Canadian guidelines for demographics (age, parity, GA, comorbidities, etc.), pregnancy management (admission vs. discharge, need to deliver), and pregnancy outcomes (mortality, morbidity, GA at delivery, Apgar scores, etc.). Patients who did not comply with the Canadian guidelines (requiring the patient to count six movements within two hours) were not excluded. RESULTS: The charts of 579 patients who self-reported DFMs between January 2012 and December 2012 were reviewed. The distribution of ages was between 18 and 47 year old. The majority of these patients had no comorbidities (454/579). A significant minority of patients had FM in the triage area (231/579). The Canadian guidelines were interpreted differently in the two centres. In one (level 3), the protocol was to have a biophysical profile (BPP) on all patients prior to discharge, whereas in the other (level 2), only patients with a non-reactive non-stress test (NST) and/or oligohydramnios or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) underwent a BPP. All patients had an evaluation by an RN and MD and had a NST on arrival. A combination of NST and BPP was performed on 235/579. The frequency of DFM was 6.1% (level 3 centre: 5.6%, level 2 centre: 7.8%). There were 8 stillbirths on arrival. The 187 patients who had a reactive NST and a normal BPP and were sent home did not have a single stillbirth within 2 weeks. In the level 3 centre, 19 patients were sent home without a BPP and one had a stillbirth within 2 days (5%); in the level 2 hospital, there was only one stillbirth among the NST-only group (0.35%). There were 65 admissions; 46 of them (71%) were delivered, and 50% of them had a Caesarean delivery (baseline around 30%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study looking at the performance of the Canadian guidelines of 2007. We found that the DFM rate was compatible with the literature (6.1% vs. 5%). The frequency of stillbirth on arrival was 1.4% (8/579). Patients discharged after normal NST and BPP did extremely well (no stillbirths), whereas those admitted following DFM had a relatively high Caesarean delivery rate (50%). This study was not designed to address changes in stillbirth rate, but it outlines the patients who experience DFM and their eventual outcomes.

Use of the Myocardial Performance Index in Decreased Fetal Movement Assessment: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there are any fetal cardiac function changes, as measured by the myocardial performance index (MPI), in pregnancies complicated by decreased fetal movement (DFM). METHODS: We performed a prospective cross-sectional case-control study of 50 DFM and 50 uncomplicated third-trimester pregnancies matched within 2 gestational weeks. Routine ultrasound growth and well-being parameters as well as MPI were measured. Average MPI measurements and its component values were compared between the DFM and the control group, as were demographics, other ultrasound data, and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS: Average left MPI (LMPI) and right MPI (RMPI) was similar between groups (LMPI: 0.54 ± 0.08 [DFM], 0.53 ± 0.08 [controls], p = 0.76; RMPI: 0.60 ± 0.12 (DFM), 0.59 ± 0.11 [controls], p = 0.79). However, subgroup analysis of DFM fetuses with (n = 20) or without (n = 30) any adverse perinatal outcome demonstrated modestly higher average RMPI and LMPI in the adverse perinatal outcome group (RMPI: 0.64 ± 0.08 vs. 0.57 ± 0.13, p = 0.02; LMPI: 0.56 ± 0.07 vs. 0.52 ± 0.07, p = 0.052). CONCLUSION: The MPI did not demonstrate clinically usable differences between the overall DFM population and controls. However, higher LMPI and RMPI values in the exploratory subgroup of DFM fetuses with adverse perinatal outcomes may warrant further exploration of the MPI in DFM.

Interventions to enhance maternal awareness of decreased fetal movement: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Decreased fetal movement is associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes; timely reporting and appropriate management may prevent stillbirth. OBJECTIVES: Determine effects of interventions to enhance maternal awareness of decreased fetal movement. SEARCH STRATEGY: Cinahl, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and SCOPUS databases; without limitation on language or publication year. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or non-randomised studies evaluating interventions to enhance maternal awareness of decreased fetal movement. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently extracted data and assessed quality. MAIN RESULTS: We included 23 publications from 16 studies of fair to poor quality. We were unable to pool results due to substantial heterogeneity between studies. Three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and five non-randomised studies (NRSs), involving 72 888 and 115 435 pregnancies, respectively, assessed effects of interventions on stillbirth and perinatal death. One large cluster RCT (n = 68 654) reported no stillbirth reduction, one RCT (n = 3111) reported significant stillbirth reduction, and one RCT (n = 1123) was small with no deaths. All NRSs favoured intervention over standard care; three studies (n = 31 131) reported significant reduction, whereas two studies (n = 84 304) reported non-significant reductions in stillbirth or perinatal deaths. Promising results from NRSs warrant further research. We found no evidence of increased maternal concern following interventions. No cost-effectiveness data were available. CONCLUSIONS: We found no clear evidence of benefit or harm; indirect evidence suggests improved pregnancy and birth outcomes. The optimal approach to support women in monitoring their pregnancies needs to be established. Meanwhile, women need to be informed about the importance of fetal movement for fetal health. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: The benefits and risks of interventions to increase pregnant women's awareness of fetal movement are unclear.

A Case Report of Decreased Fetal Movement During Fetomaternal Hemorrhage.

Fetomaternal hemorrhage is a rare, potentially catastrophic event for a fetus.  Leakage of the fetus's blood into the mother's circulation can cause fetal anemia, hydrops, and even death.  The prevailing symptom is decreased fetal movement, and signs can include a sinusoidal electronic fetal monitor pattern, a positive Kleihauer-Betke test, or changes in fetal Doppler blood flow.  A mother's report or perception of decreased fetal movement coupled with a nonreactive nonstress test or abnormal ultrasound findings should prompt an investigation into underlying causes.

Decreased fetal movements in the third trimester and neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Fetal movement is one of the markers of fetal wellbeing. Decreased fetal movement(DFM)in the third trimester indicates an increased possibility of intrauterine asphyxia/ anoxia. There is a lack of reported data for the correlation of DFM and incidence of neonatal hypoxic - ischemic brain damage(HIBD). DFM is a multi - factorial clinical phenomenon which may be caused by various issues of pregnant women,fetus,and cord. Incidence of negative neonatal outcomes greatly increased in the condition of DFM. Obstetricians and neonatologists should keep close monito-ring to pregnant women with DFM in the third trimester and their newborn infants. Appropriate medical intervention is highly recommended in order to minimize the occurrence of HIBD.