Annie McArdle1, Vicki Flenady2, Jocelyn Toohill3, Jenny Gamble4, Debra Creedy5. 1. Griffith Health Institute, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbank, Queensland 4131, Australia; Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Aubigny Place, Mater Health Services, Raymond Tce, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia. Electronic address: annie.mcardle@mater.org.au. 2. Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Aubigny Place, Mater Health Services, Raymond Tce, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia. Electronic address: vicki.flenady@mater.uq.edu.au. 3. Griffith Health Institute, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbank, Queensland 4131, Australia. Electronic address: J.Toohill@griffith.edu.au. 4. Griffith Health Institute, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbank, Queensland 4131, Australia. Electronic address: J.Gamble@griffith.edu.au. 5. Griffith Health Institute, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbank, Queensland 4131, Australia. Electronic address: D.Creedy@griffith.edu.au.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Unexplained late gestation stillbirth is a significant health issue. Antenatal information about foetal movements has been demonstrated to reduce the stillbirth rate in women with decreased foetal movements. Midwives are ideally placed to provide this information to women. AIM: To investigate pregnant women's perceptions of information about foetal movements and preferences for receiving information. METHODS: This prospective, descriptive study was conducted in the antenatal clinic of a large metropolitan maternity hospital. FINDINGS: Pregnant women (n=526) at 34 weeks gestation or later were recruited. Only 67% of women reported receiving information about foetal movements. Women reported that midwives (80%), family (57%), friends (48%) and own mother (48%) provided this information. Midwives were the most preferred source of information. Around half (52%) of the women used the internet for information but only 11% nominated the web as their preferred information source. CONCLUSION: Women prefer to be given as much information about foetal movements as possible. Women favour information from health professionals, mainly from a midwife. Midwives are well-placed to partner with pregnant women and give them unbiased and evidenced based information enabling them to make decisions and choices regarding their health and well-being. While the internet is a prevalent information source, women want to be reassured that it is trustworthy and want direction to reliable pregnancy related websites.
BACKGROUND: Unexplained late gestation stillbirth is a significant health issue. Antenatal information about foetal movements has been demonstrated to reduce the stillbirth rate in women with decreased foetal movements. Midwives are ideally placed to provide this information to women. AIM: To investigate pregnant women's perceptions of information about foetal movements and preferences for receiving information. METHODS: This prospective, descriptive study was conducted in the antenatal clinic of a large metropolitan maternity hospital. FINDINGS: Pregnant women (n=526) at 34 weeks gestation or later were recruited. Only 67% of women reported receiving information about foetal movements. Women reported that midwives (80%), family (57%), friends (48%) and own mother (48%) provided this information. Midwives were the most preferred source of information. Around half (52%) of the women used the internet for information but only 11% nominated the web as their preferred information source. CONCLUSION:Women prefer to be given as much information about foetal movements as possible. Women favour information from health professionals, mainly from a midwife. Midwives are well-placed to partner with pregnant women and give them unbiased and evidenced based information enabling them to make decisions and choices regarding their health and well-being. While the internet is a prevalent information source, women want to be reassured that it is trustworthy and want direction to reliable pregnancy related websites.
Authors: Jane Warland; Louise M O'Brien; Alexander E P Heazell; Edwin A Mitchell Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2015-08-15 Impact factor: 3.007
Authors: Billie F Bradford; Robin S Cronin; Christopher J D McKinlay; John M D Thompson; Edwin A Mitchell; Peter R Stone; Lesley M E McCowan Journal: PLoS One Date: 2019-06-12 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: V Flenady; G Gardener; F M Boyle; E Callander; M Coory; C East; D Ellwood; A Gordon; K M Groom; P F Middleton; J E Norman; K A Warrilow; M Weller; A M Wojcieszek; C Crowther Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2019-11-21 Impact factor: 3.007