Maternal perception of altered fetal activity and the risk of late stillbirth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
- Correspondence to Alexander E Heazell
Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, 5th floor, St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9Wl, UK; alexander.heazell{at}manchester.ac.uk
Implications for practice and research
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■ Maternal perception of an active fetus and fetal hiccups is associated with reduced likelihood of late stillbirth.
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■ A sudden change in maternally perceived fetal activity, particularly reduced fetal movements (RFM), is associated with late stillbirth and women should be encouraged to seek advice if this occurs.
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■ Research is needed to examine the possible link between a single period of vigorous fetal activity and risk of late stillbirth.
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■ The relationship between fetal hiccups, fetal breathing movements and their loss in compromised fetuses merits deeper exploration.
Context
There has been no reduction in …
