Pregnancy, birth and neonatal outcomes associated with reduced fetal movement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of non-randomised studies

Abstract

Problem: Maternal perception of reduced fetal movements (RFM) is identified as an important alarm signal for possible risk of impending adverse perinatal outcomes.

Background: Perinatal outcomes associated with RFM are increasingly being investigated in non-randomised studies with several associated outcomes, including stillbirth, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction and neonatal death being reported. Findings from studies, however, are conflicting.

Aim: To synthesise the findings of published studies regarding pregnancy, birth and neonatal outcomes in women who presented with RFM.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL complete, Maternity and Infant Care, PsycINFO, and Science Citation Index databases were searched up to 8th July 2021 and updated again on 8th September 2022. Non-randomised studies involving pregnant women ≥24 weeks' gestation, who presented with a primary complaint of RFM compared to women who did not present with RFM were included. Data were meta-analysed using a random-effects model and presented as Odds Ratios (OR) or Standard Mean Differences (SMD) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI).

Findings: Thirty-nine studies were included. Women with RFM had increased odds of stillbirth (OR 3.44, 95% CI 2.02-5.88) and small for gestational age (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.16-1.61) when compared with women who did not have RFM. Associations were also found for induction of labor, instrumental birth and caesarean section but not for preterm birth (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.71-1.19) or neonatal death (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.52-1.90).

Conclusion: This review revealed that RFM is associated with increased odds of stillbirth, small for gestational age, induction of labor, instrumental birth and caesarean section but not preterm birth or neonatal death.