Decreased fetal movements and polyhydramnios.

It was previously demonstrated that in high-risk pregnancies, pronounced reduction of fetal movements until cessation, with audible fetal heart sounds, indicates severe fetal distress and impending death. Immediate delivery is indicated provided the fetus is viable. Three instances of cessation of fetal movements associated with polyhydramnios are reported; the fetuses proved to have malformations lethal for the newborn infant. These cases of polyhydramnios with diminished fetal movements stress the importance of investigating fetal morphology in this condition. Antenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies may influence decisions about intervening in cases of decreased fetal movements.