Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fetal movement count (FMC) is a non-invasive tool used to evaluate fetal well-being and prevent stillbirth. FMC decrease the chances of stillbirth occurrence (Tveit et al., 2009), but in other countries, research shows that women are not taught about the benefits of FMC (Berndl, O'Connel, & Mcload, 2013). The purposes of this study were to discover 1) the knowledge of pregnant women in their third trimester about FMC and 2) sources through which women learn about FMC.

METHODOLOGY: The study is a quantitative descriptive design. An original survey consisting of 12 questions was created for the study. Inclusion criteria included women who were in their third trimester (28 weeks of gestation or more), were 18 years old or older, and speak and read English fluently. Consent to take the anonymous survey was implied by completing and returning the survey. Participants were recruited from childbirth and newborn parenting classes.

RESULTS: The investigator surveyed 36 women. Eighty-three percent of women (N=30) know what FMC is. All women were seen by a physician, and 50% of them (N=18) were taught about FMC by their providers. In spite of knowing what FMC is, 50% women (15 of the 30) responded incorrectly to specific questions about FMC.

DISCUSSION: Women have misconceptions about fetal movement, and about the importance of FMC. This misconception can lead women to less benefit from using FMC tools. Providers need to improve their method of transmitting information about FMC and provide detailed education about fetal movement.

Thesis Completion

2018

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Edwards, Joellen

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Nursing

Department

Nursing

Degree Program

Nursing

Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

1 year

Release Date

5-1-2019

Download

Share

COinS