Decreased fetal movements: a practical approach in a primary care setting.
BACKGROUND
The association between perceived decreased fetal movement (DFM) and adverse outcomes in pregnancy is widely acknowledged. However, in the general practice setting, a common first point-of-call for pregnant women, guidelines for appropriate management of DFM are lacking.


OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the current evidence surrounding women presenting with DFM and suggests appropriate management in the community setting and the indications for hospital referral.


CONCLUSIONS
Maternal perception of DFM is a common reason for women to make contact with their healthcare provider. Women presenting on multiple occasions with DFM are at increased risk of poor perinatal outcomes, including fetal death, intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUFGR) or preterm birth. An evaluation of women presenting with DFM should involve a thorough history, examination and auscultation of fetal heart, cardiotocography (CTG) and ultrasound if indicated.
BAppHealthSC, MBBS, Obstetrics and Gynaecology resident, Gold Coast University Hospital, and lecturer, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD.
Zanna
Z
Franks
Rachael
R
Nightingale
D015148:Cardiotocography; D005260:Female; D005324:Fetal Movement; D005331:Fetomaternal Transfusion / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010465:Perception; D010808:Physical Examination; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011320:Primary Health Care; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal