Wavelet principal component analysis of fetal movement counting data preceding hospital examinations due to decreased fetal movement: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Fetal movement (FM) counting is a simple and widely used method of assessing fetal well-being. However, little is known about what women perceive as decreased fetal movement (DFM) and how maternally perceived DFM is reflected in FM charts. METHODS: We analyzed FM counting data from 148 DFM events occurring in 137 pregnancies. The women counted FM daily from pregnancy week 24 until birth using a modified count-to-ten procedure. Common temporal patterns for the two weeks preceding hospital examination due to DFM were extracted from the FM charts using wavelet principal component analysis; a statistical methodology particularly developed for modeling temporal data with sudden changes, i.e. spikes that are frequently found in FM data. The association of the extracted temporal patterns with fetal complications was assessed by including the individuals' scores on the wavelet principal components as explanatory variables in multivariable logistic regression analyses for two outcome measures: (i) complications identified during DFM-related consultations (n = 148) and (ii) fetal compromise at the time of consultation (including relevant information about birth outcome and placental pathology). The latter outcome variable was restricted to the DFM events occurring within 21 days before birth (n = 76). RESULTS: Analyzing the 148 and 76 DFM events, the first three main temporal FM counting patterns explained 87.2% and 87.4%, respectively, of all temporal variation in the FM charts. These three temporal patterns represented overall counting times, sudden spikes around the time of DFM events, and an inverted U-shaped pattern, explaining 75.3%, 8.6%, and 3.3% and 72.5%, 9.6%, and 5.3% of variation in the total cohort and subsample, respectively. Neither of the temporal patterns was significantly associated with the two outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Acknowledging that sudden, large changes in fetal activity may be underreported in FM charts, our study showed that the temporal FM counting patterns in the two weeks preceding DFM-related consultation contributed little to identify clinically important changes in perceived FM. It thus provides insufficient information for giving detailed advice to women on when to contact health care providers. The importance of qualitative features of maternally perceived DFM should be further explored.

Fetal movement counting--maternal concern and experiences: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Fetal movement counting may improve timely identification of decreased fetal activity and thereby contribute to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes, but it may also contribute to maternal concern. This study aimed to test whether fetal movement counting increased maternal concern. METHODS: In a multicenter, controlled trial 1,013 women with a singleton pregnancy were randomly assigned either to perform daily fetal movement counting from pregnancy week 28 or to follow standard Norwegian antenatal care where fetal movement counting is not encouraged. The primary outcome was maternal concern, measured by the Cambridge Worry Scale. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: The means and SDs on Cambridge Worry Scale scores were 0.77 (0.55) and 0.90 (0.62) for the intervention and the control groups, respectively, a mean difference between the groups of 0.14 (95% CI: 0.06-0.21, p<0.001). Decreased fetal activity was of concern to 433 women once or more during pregnancy, 45 and 42 percent in the intervention and control groups, respectively (relative risk=1.1, 95% CI: 0.9-1.2). Seventy-nine percent of the women responded favorably to the use of counting charts. CONCLUSIONS: Women who performed fetal movement counting in the third trimester reported less concern than those in the control group. The frequency of maternal report of concern about decreased fetal activity was similar between the groups. Most women considered the use of a counting chart to be positive.

Fetal movement counting improved identification of fetal growth restriction and perinatal outcomes--a multi-centre, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Fetal movement counting is a method used by the mother to quantify her baby's movements, and may prevent adverse pregnancy outcome by a timely evaluation of fetal health when the woman reports decreased fetal movements. We aimed to assess effects of fetal movement counting on identification of fetal pathology and pregnancy outcome. METHODOLOGY: In a multicentre, randomized, controlled trial, 1076 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies from an unselected population were assigned to either perform fetal movement counting from gestational week 28, or to receive standard antenatal care not including fetal movement counting (controls). Women were recruited from nine Norwegian hospitals during September 2007 through November 2009. Main outcome was a compound measure of fetal pathology and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Analysis was performed by intention-to-treat. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The frequency of the main outcome was equal in the groups; 63 of 433 (11.6%) in the intervention group, versus 53 of 532 (10.7%) in the control group [RR: 1.1 95% CI 0.7-1.5)]. The growth-restricted fetuses were more often identified prior to birth in the intervention group than in the control group; 20 of 23 fetuses (87.0%) versus 12 of 20 fetuses (60.0%), respectively, [RR: 1.5 (95% CI 1.0-2.1)]. In the intervention group two babies (0.4%) had Apgar scores <4 at 1 minute, versus 12 (2.3%) in the control group [RR: 0.2 (95% CI 0.04-0.7)]. The frequency of consultations for decreased fetal movement was 71 (13.1%) and 57 (10.7%) in the intervention and control groups, respectively [RR: 1.2 (95% CI 0.9-1.7)]. The frequency of interventions was similar in the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal ability to detect clinically important changes in fetal activity seemed to be improved by fetal movement counting; there was an increased identification of fetal growth restriction and improved perinatal outcome, without inducing more consultations or obstetric interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.govNCT00513942.

Fetal movement counting--effects on maternal-fetal attachment: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Women presenting with decreased fetal movement have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Fetal movement counting may be associated with improvement in maternal-fetal attachment, which in turn, improves pregnancy outcome and postnatal mother-infant attachment. The study aim was to test whether maternal-fetal attachment differed between groups of mothers who systematically performed fetal movement counting and mothers who followed standard antenatal care where routine fetal movement counting was discouraged. METHODS: In a multicenter, randomized trial, 1,123 women were assigned to either systematic fetal movement counting from pregnancy week 28 or to standard antenatal care. This study sample included primarily white, cohabiting, nonsmoking, and relatively well-educated women. The outcome measure was maternal-fetal attachment, measured by using the Prenatal Attachment Inventory. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: No difference was found between the groups in the scores on prenatal attachment; the means and standard deviations were 59.54 (9.39) and 59.34 (9.75) [corrected] for the intervention and the control groups, respectively (p = 0.747). The mean difference between the groups was 0.20 (95% CI: -1.02-1.42) [corrected]. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal movement counting in the third trimester does not stimulate antenatal maternal-fetal attachment. This result differs from a previous study where fetal movement counting improved maternal-fetal attachment. Further research with a focus on possible mediating factors such as levels of stress, concern, and other psychological factors is required.

Concerns for decreased foetal movements in uncomplicated pregnancies--increased risk of foetal growth restriction and stillbirth among women being overweight, advanced age or smoking.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine whether the clinical characteristics of women in uncomplicated pregnancies presenting with decreased foetal movements (DFMs) would help target subgroups of women at the highest risk. Furthermore, we also aimed whether DFMs in complicated pregnancies identified the additional needs for intensified management. METHODS: Singleton third trimester pregnancies (n=2374) presenting with DFMs from June 2004 through October 2005 were prospectively registered in 14 delivery units in Norway. Among pregnancies that were uncomplicated until registration for DFMs, cases with good outcomes (birth weight between 10th and 90th percentile, term delivery and live-born child) were compared with cases with adverse outcomes. RESULTS: In uncomplicated pregnancies, maternal overweight, advanced age and smoking identified subgroups of cases at increased risk of foetal growth restriction and stillbirth. DFMs of longer duration, in particular the perceived absence of movements, identified cases at increased risk of stillbirth, irrespective of other maternal characteristics. When women with complicated pregnancies reported DFMs, additional indications for follow-up were found in 1/3 of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal overweight, advanced age, smoking and the duration of DFMs are the characteristics that help in identifying pregnancies that should be targeted for intensified management. Time matters and knowledge-based information are needed to improve foetal health.

Implementation of uniform information on fetal movement in a Norwegian population reduced delayed reporting of decreased fetal movement and stillbirths in primiparous women - a clinical quality improvement.

BACKGROUND: Delayed maternal reporting of decreased fetal movement (DFM) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Inconsistent information on fetal activity to women during the antenatal period may result in delayed reporting of DFM. We aimed to evaluate an intervention of implementation of uniform information on fetal activity to women during the antenatal period. METHODS: In a prospective before-and-after study, singleton women presenting DFM in the third trimester across 14 hospitals in Norway were registered. Outcome measures were maternal behavior regarding reporting of DFM, concerns and stillbirth. In addition, cross-sectional studies of all women giving birth were undertaken to assess maternal concerns about fetal activity, and population-based data were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry Norway. RESULTS: Pre- and post-intervention cohorts included 19 407 and 46 143 births with 1 215 and 3 038 women with DFM respectively. Among primiparous women with DFM, a reduction in delayed reporting of DFM (>/=48 hrs) OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.47-0.81) and stillbirths OR 0.36 (95% CI 0.19-0.69) was shown in the post-intervention period. No difference was shown in rates of consultations for DFM or maternal concerns. Stillbirth rates and maternal behavior among women who were of non-Western origin, smokers, overweight or >34 years old were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Uniform information on fetal activity provided to pregnant women was associated with a reduction in the number of primiparous women who delayed reporting of DFM and a reduction of the stillbirth rates for primiparous women reporting DFM. The information did not appear to increase maternal concerns or rate of consultation. Due to different imperfections in different clinical settings, further studies in other populations replicating these findings are required.

Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes in women presenting with decreased fetal movements in late pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: 'Normal' fetal activity is recognized as a sign of fetal well-being and concerns for decreased fetal movements is a frequent cause of non-scheduled antenatal visits. The aim of this study was to identify maternal characteristics in women presenting decreased fetal movements in a total population, to identify the risk of adverse outcomes and assess the management provided. DESIGN: Prospective population-based cohort. SETTING: Fourteen delivery units in Norway. POPULATION: A total of 2,374 pregnancies presenting with a perception of decreased fetal movements and 614 control/referent cases. METHODS: All singleton third trimester pregnancies presenting with a perception of decreased fetal movements were registered from June 2004 through October 2005. Pregnancies never examined for this condition were collected as a cross-sectional sample from the same population. Main outcome measures. Fetal growth restriction, preterm birth and stillbirth. RESULTS: Mothers with decreased fetal movements were more often smokers, overweight and primiparous. Of the women, 32% presented with perceived absence of fetal movements, of whom 25% waited for more than 24 hours without any movements. Abnormal findings were identified in 16% of examinations. Decreased fetal movements were associated with adverse pregnancy outcome in 26%, including preterm birth and fetal growth restriction. An intervention or repeated consultations were performed in 41% of cases, including 14% admissions to maternity ward. None of the included hospitals had written guidelines for management. CONCLUSIONS: A perception of decreased fetal movements is significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcome such as preterm birth, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth. Guidelines for management and information to pregnant women are needed.

Reduction of late stillbirth with the introduction of fetal movement information and guidelines - a clinical quality improvement.

BACKGROUND: Women experiencing decreased fetal movements (DFM) are at increased risk of adverse outcomes, including stillbirth. Fourteen delivery units in Norway registered all cases of DFM in a population-based quality assessment. We found that information to women and management of DFM varied significantly between hospitals. We intended to examine two cohorts of women with DFM before and during two consensus-based interventions aiming to improve care through: 1) written information to women about fetal activity and DFM, including an invitation to monitor fetal movements, 2) guidelines for management of DFM for health-care professionals. METHODS: All singleton third trimester pregnancies presenting with a perception of DFM were registered, and outcomes collected independently at all 14 hospitals. The quality assessment period included April 2005 through October 2005, and the two interventions were implemented from November 2005 through March 2007. The baseline versus intervention cohorts included: 19,407 versus 46,143 births and 1215 versus 3038 women with DFM, respectively. RESULTS: Reports of DFM did not increase during the intervention. The stillbirth rate among women with DFM fell during the intervention: 4.2% vs. 2.4%, (OR 0.51 95% CI 0.32-0.81), and 3.0/1000 versus 2.0/1000 in the overall study population (OR 0.67 95% CI 0.48-0.93). There was no increase in the rates of preterm births, fetal growth restriction, transfers to neonatal care or severe neonatal depression among women with DFM during the intervention. The use of ultrasound in management increased, while additional follow up visits and admissions for induction were reduced. CONCLUSION: Improved management of DFM and uniform information to women is associated with fewer stillbirths.

Causes of death and associated conditions (Codac): a utilitarian approach to the classification of perinatal deaths.

A carefully classified dataset of perinatal mortality will retain the most significant information on the causes of death. Such information is needed for health care policy development, surveillance and international comparisons, clinical services and research. For comparability purposes, we propose a classification system that could serve all these needs, and be applicable in both developing and developed countries. It is developed to adhere to basic concepts of underlying cause in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), although gaps in ICD prevent classification of perinatal deaths solely on existing ICD codes.We tested the Causes of Death and Associated Conditions (Codac) classification for perinatal deaths in seven populations, including two developing country settings. We identified areas of potential improvements in the ability to retain existing information, ease of use and inter-rater agreement. After revisions to address these issues we propose Version II of Codac with detailed coding instructions.The ten main categories of Codac consist of three key contributors to global perinatal mortality (intrapartum events, infections and congenital anomalies), two crucial aspects of perinatal mortality (unknown causes of death and termination of pregnancy), a clear distinction of conditions relevant only to the neonatal period and the remaining conditions are arranged in the four anatomical compartments (fetal, cord, placental and maternal).For more detail there are 94 subcategories, further specified in 577 categories in the full version. Codac is designed to accommodate both the main cause of death as well as two associated conditions. We suggest reporting not only the main cause of death, but also the associated relevant conditions so that scenarios of combined conditions and events are captured.The appropriately applied Codac system promises to better manage information on causes of perinatal deaths, the conditions associated with them, and the most common clinical scenarios for future study and comparisons.

An evaluation of classification systems for stillbirth.

BACKGROUND: Audit and classification of stillbirths is an essential part of clinical practice and a crucial step towards stillbirth prevention. Due to the limitations of the ICD system and lack of an international approach to an acceptable solution, numerous disparate classification systems have emerged. We assessed the performance of six contemporary systems to inform the development of an internationally accepted approach. METHODS: We evaluated the following systems: Amended Aberdeen, Extended Wigglesworth; PSANZ-PDC, ReCoDe, Tulip and CODAC. Nine teams from 7 countries applied the classification systems to cohorts of stillbirths from their regions using 857 stillbirth cases. The main outcome measures were: the ability to retain the important information about the death using the InfoKeep rating; the ease of use according to the Ease rating (both measures used a five-point scale with a score <2 considered unsatisfactory); inter-observer agreement and the proportion of unexplained stillbirths. A randomly selected subset of 100 stillbirths was used to assess inter-observer agreement. RESULTS: InfoKeep scores were significantly different across the classifications (p < or = 0.01) due to low scores for Wigglesworth and Aberdeen. CODAC received the highest mean (SD) score of 3.40 (0.73) followed by PSANZ-PDC, ReCoDe and Tulip [2.77 (1.00), 2.36 (1.21), 1.92 (1.24) respectively]. Wigglesworth and Aberdeen resulted in a high proportion of unexplained stillbirths and CODAC and Tulip the lowest. While Ease scores were different (p < or = 0.01), all systems received satisfactory scores; CODAC received the highest score. Aberdeen and Wigglesworth showed poor agreement with kappas of 0.35 and 0.25 respectively. Tulip performed best with a kappa of 0.74. The remainder had good to fair agreement. CONCLUSION: The Extended Wigglesworth and Amended Aberdeen systems cannot be recommended for classification of stillbirths. Overall, CODAC performed best with PSANZ-PDC and ReCoDe performing well. Tulip was shown to have the best agreement and a low proportion of unexplained stillbirths. The virtues of these systems need to be considered in the development of an international solution to classification of stillbirths. Further studies are required on the performance of classification systems in the context of developing countries. Suboptimal agreement highlights the importance of instituting measures to ensure consistency for any classification system.

Low maternal awareness of fetal movement is associated with small for gestational age infants.

Our aim was to identify associations between information given to pregnant women about fetal activity, level of maternal awareness of fetal activity, maternal concern about decreased fetal movement, and pregnancy outcomes. This was a population-based cross-sectional study. Mothers with a singleton delivery were invited to answer an anonymous structured questionnaire before discharge from the delivery unit. Six hundred and ninety-one mothers participated (60.4% of eligible women). Women were highly aware of fetal activity. Yet, 25% did not receive any information from care providers about expected normal fetal activity. Receiving information about fetal activity was associated with increased maternal awareness (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-3.4). Low maternal awareness of fetal activity was associated with an increased risk of having a small for gestational age infant (odds ratio, 6.5; 95% CI, 3.5-12.3). Expectations about the normal frequency of fetal movements, as reported by the mothers, varied from 25 kicks/hour to 3 kicks/24 hours. Receiving information about expected fetal activity was associated with maternal concerns about decreased fetal movement, but not with improved outcomes. We conclude that receiving information about expected fetal activity was associated with maternal concerns, but not with improved outcomes.

Fetal movement assessment.

Maternal perception of fetal movements is the oldest and most commonly used method to assess fetal well-being. While almost all pregnant women adhere to it, organized screening by fetal movements has seen variable popularity among health professionals. Early results of screening were promising and fetal movement counting is the only antepartum testing method that has shown effect in reducing mortality in a randomized controlled trial comparing testing versus no testing. Although awareness of fetal movements is associated with improved perinatal outcomes, the quest to define a quantitative "alarm limit" to define decreased fetal movements has so far been unsuccessful, and the use of most such limits developed for fetal movement counting should be discouraged.

Management of decreased fetal movements.

Maternal perception of decreased fetal activity is a common complaint, and one of the most frequent causes of unplanned visits in pregnancy. No proposed definitions of decreased fetal movements have ever been proven to be superior to a subjective maternal perception in terms of identifying a population at risk. Women presenting with decreased fetal movements do have higher risk of stillbirth, fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, preterm birth, and other associated outcomes. Yet, little research has been conducted to identify optimal management, and no randomized controlled trials have been performed. The strong associations with adverse outcome suggest that adequate management should include the exclusion of both acute and chronic conditions associated with decreased fetal movements. We propose guidelines for management of decreased fetal movements that include both a nonstress test and an ultrasound scan and report findings in 3014 cases of decreased fetal movements.

Suboptimal care in stillbirths - a retrospective audit study.

BACKGROUND: Stillbirth rates have decreased radically over the last decades. One reason for this is improved perinatal care. The aim of this study was to explore whether sub-optimal factors in stillbirths were more frequent among non-western than western women. METHODS: Population-based perinatal audit of 356 stillbirths after gestational week 23, in 2 Norwegian counties during 1998-2003 (4.2 per 1,000 deliveries); of these 31% were born to non-western women. By audit, the stillbirths were attributed to optimal or sub-optimal care factors. Multivariate methods were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Sub-optimal factors were identified in 37% of the deaths. When compared to western women, non-western women had an increased risk of stillbirth (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.3-3.8), and an increased risk of sub-optimal care (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.5-3.9). More often, non-western women received sub-optimal obstetric care (p<0.001), as e.g. failure to act on non-reassuring fetal status or incorrect assessment of labour progression. A common failure in antenatal care for both groups was unidentified or inadequate management of intrauterine growth restriction or decreased fetal movements. Non-western women were less prone to attend the program for antenatal care or to take the consequences of recommendations from health professionals. Inadequate communication was documented in 47% of non-western mothers; an interpreter was used in 29% of these cases. CONCLUSIONS: Non-western women constituted a risk group for sub-optimal care factors in stillbirths. Possibilities for improvements include a reduction of language barriers, better identification and management of growth restriction for both origin groups, and adequate intervention in complicated vaginal births; with increased vigilance towards non-western women.

[Reduced fetal movements--clinical management, recommendations and information]. / Lite liv--klinisk praksis og brukerinformasjon ved redusert fosteraktivitet.

BACKGROUND: We reviewed the Norwegian guidelines and clinical routines in delivery units and investigated whether guidelines for management of reduced fetal movements and information given to pregnant women were based upon evidence-based knowledge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All Norwegian delivery units responded to a questionnaire about their management of pregnancies with reduced fetal movements. Literature for professionals and pregnant women was found in databases, books and journals. RESULTS: Clinical management varied significantly. All delivery units used a non-stress test when available, but few included ultrasound and Doppler examinations routinely. Five of 55 units advised women that absence of fetal movements up to 24 hours may be normal. National guidelines and university curricula recommend that distinct reduction of fetal movements require investigation. Formal kick counting was regarded as either useful, recommended or to be dissuaded. Information for pregnant women emphasises the importance of vigilance towards fetal movements, but have contradictory limits for normal fetal movements. INTERPRETATION: We have documented significant variation in clinical routines, which do not correlate with information given to pregnant women, the literature, or guidelines. This can lead to uncertainty for both pregnant women and health care professionals and may put patient safety at risk. There is a need for evidence-based guidelines.

[Clinical practice variation in reduced fetal movements]. / Store praksisvariasjoner ved redusert fosteraktivitet.

BACKGROUND: Reduced fetal movements imply a risk pregnancy. This condition is present in a significant proportion of pregnancies, but both the quality of information and that of clinical care is variable. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All delivery units in Eastern Norway and Bergen have registered all consultations for reduced fetal movements, as part of the international collaborative project "Fetal Movement Intervention Assessment" (Femina). Out of 23,933 deliveries, 1200 pregnancies were examined. In 1043 pregnancies the mother had spontaneously presented her concern over reduced fetal movements; these were included in analyses. Results are presented with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Asphyxia, death, growth restriction or preterm birth occurred in 19.6% (16.6-22.6%) of cases, ranging between units from 9.1% to 26.5%. Standard procedures varied extensively; ultrasonography was used in 39.0% to 98.6% and Doppler in 4.5% to 74.6% of cases. There was an association between outcomes and the procedures used. Women who waited 24 hours with reduced or absent movements before contacting healthcare had increased risk. Among those with absent movements, 47% (42-52%) had such risk behaviour. INTERPRETATION: There is a need for quality improvements in the information to pregnant women as well as in the clinical management of affected pregnancies. This could have large health benefits. We propose new guidelines for information and management.