THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATERNAL COUNT OF THE FETAL MOVEMENTS AND NON-STRESS TEST IN THE EVALUATION OF FETAL WELL-BEING IN HIGH RISK MOTHERS

Background and Fetal movement count and non-stress test are simple and non-invasive techniques used as first steps in the assessment of the fetal well-being. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between maternal count of fetal movements and non-stress test. Methods and materials: This descriptive correlational study was carried out at the Gynecology and Obstetrics ward of the Imamreza Hospital in Mashad, Iran. The sample included 410 non-stress tests and fetal movement counts (205 tests from each group) from 101 high risk mothers in their third trimester. Mothers recorded the fetal movements 30 minutes after breakfast. Active fetus was supposed to have at least 10 movements in 12 hours; otherwise, it was assumed to be inactive. Non-stress test was done at 9:00 pm every night. Biophysical profile was taken whenever the fetus came out to be inactive or non-reactive by either test; then, the results of either test were compared with biophysical profile. In 86.3% of the recordings, the fetuses were active. Non-stress tests were reactive in 78% and non-reactive in 19%. Reactive non-stress tests were observed in 88% of the active and 114.3% of the inactive fetuses. 85.7% of the inactive fetuses had non-reactive non-stress tests (p=0.0001). A significant relationship was found to exist between the results of maternal count of fetal movements and non-stress test (p=0.0001). Also, a significant relationship existed between the time required to feel 10 movements and non-stress test (p=0.0005). The sensitivity, specificity and the negative predictive value of the test of fetal movements count were 15%, 85% and 93% respectively; corresponding figures for the non-stress test were 93%, 76% and 98% respectively. In many cases where maternal report was inactive fetus, the result of the non-stress test was reactive. However, the test of fetal movements count is of acceptable specificity and negative predictive value.