Maternal perception of fetal movements and real-time ultrasound findings.

Two real-time ultrasound instruments were used simultaneously for comprehensive recording of "total" fetal motor activity in 50 patients in the second half of pregnancy. Synchronously, cardiotocographic findings and maternal perception of fetal movements were stored on magnetic tape. In most cases fetal "gross" movements were perceived by the mothers (mean: 63%). Isolated movements of fetal extremities were reported by the mother in only about 15% of all cases. Mothers registered a total of all movements in 37%. We found a statistically significant difference in the percentage of perceived fetal movements with regard to parity (p less than 0.001) and with regard to gestational age (p less than 0.01). With multiparity or an increasing gestational age the body movements of the fetuses were felt more accurately by the mothers. In 30% of all cases the mothers perceived movements without sonographic confirmation. The findings of this study suggest that maternal perception of major fetal body movements is accurate in the majority of cases. However, the relatively high rate of false positive maternal perception should be taken into consideration if the maternal record of daily fetal movements is to be used for fetal monitoring.