Maternally perceived fetal activity from twenty-four weeks' gestation to term in normal and at risk pregnancies.

Maternal perception of fetal activity was studied in normal and at risk pregnancies from 24 weeks' gestation until term in the second and third hour after a maternal meal. The trend for the median number of maternally perceived fetal movements in the 2-hour observation period, across gestation, was similar to that previously reported in both maternally perceived and ultrasound studies. The median number of perceived fetal movements in any 15-minute interval was similar for both groups and was constant over gestational age. The periodicity of fetal activity perceived by mothers correlated well with ultrasonic observations. The data support that fetal movement counts are very variable. Periodicity must be taken into account when maternally perceived fetal activity is used as a screen of fetal well-being. The data suggest that the patient should be observed for a consecutive period, up to a maximum of 2 hours. If no fetal activity is perceived by 2 consecutive hours of observation, then further evaluation of fetal well-being should be considered.