Effect of Left lateral position on Intrauterine Fetal Resuscitation among Pregnant Women with Reduced Fetal Movements

Abstract

Background: decreased fetal movement (DFM) is a common problem among pregnant women. It has long been recognized that posture in late pregnancy can have a profound effect on maternal hemodynamic. Left lateral tilt position allowsto displace the uterus from the inferior vena cava and thus improves maternal hemodynamic and gas exchange. Aim: evaluate the effect ofleft side lying down on the intrauterine fetal resuscitation among pregnant women with reduced fetal movements. Method: Design: Quasi- experimental research design. Setting: study conducted at Obstetrics and Gynecology department of EL - Mansoura University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sampling technique was used was used to select study subjects {N=80 } of pregnant womencomplaining from reduced fetal movements in third trimester selected according to the inclusion criteria. Tool: one tool was used for data collection, itconsists of three parts (Socio – demographic data, obstetrical history andfetal movements recording card). Results: There was a highlystatistically significant difference of fetal movements among intervention group post intervention than the control group, the mean offetal movements was (3.25+1.5 versus 2.9+1.3 respectively).Conclusion: Maternal rest in left lateral position improved fetal movements. Recommendations: Pregnant women complaining from decreased fetal movements in third trimester should be instructed about the important of rest in left lateral position to establish proper fetal movements.