Effects of maternal anxiety in fetal movements counting by modified count to 10 method in low-risk pregnant women

Abstract

Mental health problems in pregnant women are extremely important since maternal experiences are transmitted directly to the fetus. Anxiety and its association with maternal perception of fetal movements have been investigated with inconclusive results. Our aim is to evaluate a link between fetal movements counting by the modified "count to 10" method and the level of maternal anxiety self-reported in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: A cross-sectional study with prospective data collection will include 20 low-risk pregnant women who continuously receive antenatal care in Liga de Assistência Obstétrica - UNIFESP, according to the following inclusion criteria: single pregnancy, alive fetus; maternal age between 18 and 34 years; absence of maternal comorbidities and complications; without the use of medications; gestational age between 36 and 40 weeks and understanding of the research method and agreement to participate in the study. All pregnant women will have their levels of anxiety and count fetal movements related. Prompted the patient to answer questions relevant to the anxiety scale and then be handed the form to count fetal movements. The anxiety level of the patient will be assessed by questionnaire Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), validated in Portuguese and fetal movements by the "count to 10" modified. Groups will be compared according to the anxiety detected.(AU)