The effect of foetal movement counting on maternal anxiety: A randomised, controlled trial

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of foetal movement counting on maternal anxiety. In a randomised, controlled trial, 208 primigravida women with a singleton pregnancy were allocated either to perform daily foetal movement counting (n = 100) from 28 weeks’ gestation or to follow standard Iranian antenatal care (n = 108). Maternal anxiety was measured by Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS (16.0). There was no significant difference in mean state and trait anxiety scores at 28 weeks’ gestation; the difference was significant at 37 weeks’ gestation in state anxiety score between the intervention and control groups (35.34 ± 9.98 vs. 38.25 ± 9.63, respectively, P < 0.001). A significant difference was found in mean trait anxiety score at 37 weeks’ gestation between the two groups (35.88 ± 8.19 vs. 39.15 ± 9.25, respectively, P = 0.008). Women who performed foetal movement counting from 28 to 37 weeks’ gestation reported less anxiety compared with those in control group.

Keywords::

• Foetal movement counting
• maternal anxiety
• Spielberger STAI

Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the grant (no. 1226) given by the Medical Research Council in Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran. The authors especially thank the women who participated in this study.

Declaration of interest: The authors of the present work declare no conflict of interest.