Fetal movement, biochemical and biophysical parameters, and the outcome of pregnancy.

Fetal movements, fetal heart rate patterns, and serum estriol levels were prospectively monitored in 91 high-risk and normal pregnant women. In four women, there was cessation of fetal movements. In three of these cases, there were pathologic changes in fetal heart rate patterns, with one neonatal death. Of the 87 women who did not demonstrate cessation of fetal movements, one had changes in fetal heart rate patterns. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (Z test: p less than 0.001). No correlation was found between fetal movements and serum estriol levels in this study. Daily recording of fetal movements can be used as an effective screening test, with high sensitivity and specificity for the fetus in utero. Cessation of fetal movement places the fetus in a high-risk category and should alert the physician to the need for non-stress tests.