Effect of performing daily fetal movement count on maternal-fetal attachment level among low risk primigravida - A randomised controlled trial.

Background: Maternal-fetal attachment is the bond that grows over time during the pregnancy via several antenatal practices for a healthy fetus. One such practice is daily fetal movement count which may play a vital part in promoting maternal fetal attachment. This study aims to determine the effect of daily fetal movement count on maternal-fetal attachment levels among low-risk primigravida women and find the association between obstetrical variables and post-maternal antenatal attachment scores.

Materials and methods: A randomization trial was conducted among low-risk primigravids (40 in experimental and 40 in control groups) in the antenatal outpatient department. The low-risk primigravids who were in 28-32 weeks of gestation were asked to count and mark the number of fetal movements perceived by them in a daily fetal movement count chart for consecutive two weeks in the intervention group whereas only routine antenatal care was been provided to the control group.

Result: The study findings show that in intervention group primigravids, about 20 (50%) had very positive feelings about the baby inside them, 30 (75%) consider their developing baby as a little person with special characteristics, 24 (60%) the baby is dependent on them for their well-being, 16 (40%) of the primigravids in the intervention group after performing daily fetal movement count scored high during post assessment revealing that they have a very clear picture of their baby. The differences in pre-assessment and post-assessment scores were found highly statistically significant (P=<0.001).

Conclusion: The study concluded that primigravida who were performing fetal movement count had increased maternal-antenatal attachment levels than primigravida who did not perform fetal movement count.