Intrapartum care
Opinions were divided regarding assessment of FMs during labor. Amongst
nurse-midwives it appeared not to be routine practice.
‘In the ward we don’t ask because even if you can ask, the
mother cannot give the true answer while in labor. She may say that she
doesn’t know if there are movements because of the labor pain….
we just monitor fetal heart rate but movements we almost never assess
during labor.’ (Healthcare provider)
Half of the registrars said they assessed FMs during labor, however the
rest did not agree and elaborated:
‘We normally don’t ask in the labor ward, honestly. When we
check the admission form and we find a [positive] FHR then we just
monitor these women.’ (Healthcare provider)
‘During labor, you only ask about FMs if there is an alarm
sign. For example, you listen to the FHR and then you don’t hear it,
then you ask them: ‘When did you feel your baby kick?’ (Healthcare provider)
‘Or when there is bleeding, you ask them.’ (Healthcare provider)