A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Direct Fetal Movement Counting Among Antenatal Mothers at Prs Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram

Pregnancy is the state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body. During pregnancy there is progressive anatomical and physiological changes not only confined to the genital organs but also to all systems of the body. This is principally a phenomenon of maternal adaptation to the increasing demands of the growing fetus. Fetal movement counting is a method by which a woman quantifies the movements she feels to assess the condition of the baby. The purpose is to reduce perinatal mortality by alerting care givers when the fetal condition is in danger. The Chi square test revealed statistically, there was significant association found between level of knowledge regarding direct fetal movement counting and socio demographic variables like age, educational status, occupation, gestational age, source of information, gravida and disease condition among antenatal mothers. Fetal movement is a key indicator of fetal well-being, and direct fetal movement counting (DFMC) is an essential self-monitoring tool for antenatal mothers. A lack of awareness and inadequate knowledge about DFMC can lead to delayed identification of fetal distress, increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Structured teaching programs (STPs) serve as an effective strategy to educate antenatal mothers about the importance of fetal movement monitoring.