Main findings
This mixed-method study showed
that women and their healthcare providers in a low-resource setting have
high awareness of maternal perception of fetal movements. Pregnant women
instinctively knew the unique normal and abnormal patterns of their
baby’s movements, both in the antepartum and intrapartum period more
than assumed by their health providers. However, there was a lack of
acquired knowledge and guidance of maternal perception of FMs and how to
use this information by both women and staff alike for routine fetal
surveillance and management. This led to unexpressed concerns, delayed
presentation with reduced FMs and missed opportunities to save lives.