Does education to enhance maternal awareness of fetal movements help reduce stillbirth?

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PRACTICE?

• Data indicate that fetal movement counting does not help to reduce stillbirth incidence
• Continue to use fetal movement counting to maintain patient engagement in managing her own pregnancy
• Encourage fetal movement awareness but also counsel patients that awareness does not reduce stillbirth
• This may decrease a patient’s feelings of guilt (because she did not maintain fetal kick counting) should a stillbirth occur