Prognostic Significance of Preterm Isolated Decreased Fetal Movement

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to evaluate the prognostic significance of isolated, preterm decreased fetalmovement following normal initial full diagnostic workup.STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary centre. The appliedprotocol was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Department of the hospital where the researchwas conducted. Obstetrics outcomes of preterm- and term-decreased fetal movement were comparedfollowing an initial, normal diagnostic work up. Evaluated outcomes were birth weight, mode of delivery,stillbirth rate, induction of labour, development of gestational hypertension, small for gestational age andoligohydramnios, polyhydramnios during the follow up period.RESULT: Obstetric complications related to placental insufficiency develops more frequently for decreased fetal movement in preterm cases with respect to that of in term cases. Following the diagnosisof decreased fetal movement, pregnancy hypertension occurred in 17% of preterm decreased fetalmovement cases and in 4.7% of term decreased fetal movement cases. Fetal growth restriction developed in 6.6% of preterm decreased fetal movement and in 2.3% of term decreased fetal movement.Amniotic fluid abnormalities more frequently developed in preterm decreased fetal movement.CONCLUSION: Following an initial normal diagnostic workup, preterm decreased fetal movement convey a higher risk for the development of pregnancy complications associated with placental insufficiency.The patient should be monitored closely and management protocols must be developed for initial normal diagnostic workups in cases of preterm decreased fetal movement.