RCOG World Congress 2025

ØReduced fetal movements (RFM) occur in 15-22.6% of pregnancies1, 2

ØRFM are associated with risks, including stillbirth2

ØMost pregnancies with RFM have minimal adverse outcomes (70%)3

ØPsychological factors, such as maternal anxiety and depression, may influence perception of RFM, and maternal and fetal outcomes4, 5.

This retrospective study assessed data from participants recruited at late gestation to the miBirth study – a low-risk cohort planning their first vaginal birth.

1.Were there demographic differences between women presenting with RFM and those with no RFM presentation (NRFM)?

2.Were women who had presented with RFM earlier in pregnancy more likely to have experienced anxiety and depression during pregnancy?

3.Did women presenting with perceived RFM earlier in pregnancy go on to have different delivery outcomes or postnatal outcomes than those with NRFM?

Mean age (33 years RFM and 34 years old NRFM); body mass index (BMI, mean = 24) and ethnicity (64% ‘White’ ethnicity) comparable between RFM and NRFM cohorts.

This cohort was compared to the Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Trust (GSTT) maternity population for demographics.

Groups were also comparable for pre-existing
health conditions including mental health conditions and pregnancy-related health conditions.

No significant difference in scoring for antenatal anxiety (GAD-7 ≥8)7 or depression EPDS8 ≥11 between cohorts

48% of women had presented to hospital with perceived reduced fetal movements (n=63), more than double the rate nationally (22.6%).

Assessment with ultrasound scan (USS) was reassuring, and there were no concerns in any of the women’s pregnancy.

Strong correlation between scoring for anxiety and depression.

No significant difference (p=0.97, n=127) between cohorts for mode of delivery.

Women in the RFM group were significantly more likely to have a household income >£125,000

1.No association identified between presentation with RFM and mental health

2.High socioeconomic status linked to higher perception of RFM

3.No significant difference between RFM and NRFM cohorts for mode of delivery

4.Women with perceived RFM may be more likely to enroll onto the miBirth study

üPerinatal mental health at a late gestation

üDetailed demographic data

üSelf-reporting

✗Under-representation of at-risk groups

RCOG World Congress 2025

Mental Health and Birth Trauma in Women with Perceived Reduced Fetal Movements

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