The definition and the significance of decreased fetal movements

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Abstract
The ability to diagnose severe chronic fetal distress-impending death utilizing the 6 different definitions of decreased fetal movement (DFM) currently in use, was evaluated retrospectively in 616 high risk pregnant women. Results reveal the superiority of 2 definitions as prognostic tools: the movements alarm signal (MAS), i.e., no fetal movements (FM) for at least 12 h with audible fetal heart beats; and 10 and less FM (.ltoreq. FM), i.e., 10 or fewer FM in 12 h. Application of these definitions distinguished 2 groups of patients which included significantly more poor outcomes than were contained by the groups of patients based on the other definitions. MAS was the definition also selecting the group with fewest false-positive cases. Monitoring of FM while utilizing one of the above 2 definitions of DFM as cut-off points for suspected impending fetal death is a useful adjunct in high-risk pregnancy management.

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