Views and experiences of pregnant women, their partners and clinicians regarding reduced fetal movements: A Grounded Theory study in Zimbabwe

Background <br/>Globally two million stillbirths occur annually with 98% occurring in low and middle-income settings (LMICs). Zimbabwe has a high stillbirth rate of 21/1000 births. <br/><br/>Aim <br/>To explore views and experiences of pregnant women, partners, and clinicians of RFM in Zimbabwe. Methods <br/>A qualitative constructivist grounded theory methodology was conducted. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and non-participant observations. Data analysis followed the constant comparative approach. <br/><br/>Findings <br/>Three major categories were described ‘Fetal movements as a unique experience’, ‘Factors that impact on RFM’ and ‘Support rendered for RFM,’ all of these were underpinned by the core category ‘Being interactive. The Health Belief Model and Ecological Systems model were used to provide understanding of the women’s health actions following perception of RFM.<br/><br/>Conclusion<br/>Stillbirth may be associated with maternal perception of reduced fetal movements (RFM) in LMICs.<br/>