European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Introduction: Fetal movement tracking may be used to identify worsening in the fetus condition. It is described as any kick, flutter, swish, or roll perceived by the pregnant women and is considered evidence of the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems' integrity. Decreased fetal movement has been linked to poor pregnancy outcomes such as intrauterine growth restriction, fetal death and preterm deliveries. Clinical data on the association between decreased fetal movements and perinatal outcome is insufficient. Methodology: Ethical clearance was obtained from SRIMANTA SANKARDEVA UNIVERSITY of HEALTH SCIENCE for study of decreased fetal movements in Gauhati medical college and hospital. A doppler study was conducted using 3 dimensional ultrasound machines in ANOPD, departmental indoor USG room, and 2 dimensional ultrasound machine in observation room in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Gauhati Medical College& Hospital. Patients were placed in supine position with left lateral tilt and umbilical artery Wave forms were recorded in the mid position from the free floating loops. Indices noted were S(systolic)/D(diastolic) ratio, resistance index (RI), plasticity index (PI), and reversal of blood flow in diastole. CTG monitoring was done in Departmental Observation Room using a CTG machine (labelled as FETAL MONITOR, SN-EATB8L1732, manufacturer-BPL, model no. FM 9854). Each selected patient was monitored for a period of 20minutes with a paper speed of 3cm/minutes during antepartum or intrapartum status. Noted following information were: base line FHR, beat to beat variability, FHR accelerations, presence of deceleration, and reactive. Results: A prospective observational study was conducted in Gauhati Medical College & Hospital, Guwahati, Assam during a time period of one year. 150 antenatal women at term gestation with decreased fetal movements without any other high risk conditions were monitored for fetal wellbeing by CTG and Doppler. Four groups were categorised into four groups: Group I-CTG reactive and Umbilical Artery Doppler normal, Group IIA, Group IIB, and Group III. The findings of each group were compared with different modes of delivery and different parameters of perinatal outcomes. Conclusion: Maternal perception of fetal movements is the most widely used technique to evaluate fetal wellbeing. Low-risk pregnancies with decreased fetal movements should be monitored for close antenatal fetal monitoring, appropriate and prompt interventions. Non-reactive CTG alone or with combination of abnormal Doppler results are better predictors of poor perinatal outcome and can indicate if neonatal resuscitation is required. These two tools can be used together for fetal monitoring and appropriate intervention at the correct time to improve the perinatal outcomes