Fetal motor activity under the influence of dangerous wartime factors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15574/PP.2025.4(104).3944Keywords:
fetus, fetal motor activity, pregnancy, wartime stress, perinatal careAbstract
Wartime events associated with intense psycho-emotional stress, which may affect the course of pregnancy and fetal development. Fetal motor activity is an important marker of functional status and a potential indicator of response to stress factors.
Aim - to assess the characteristics of fetal motor activity in fetuses with a gestational age over 22 weeks under conditions of dangerous wartime events in order to optimize perinatal care.
Materials and methods. The study included 138 pregnant women. Fetal motor activity was assessed based on maternal reports obtained through a questionnaire regarding changes in fetal movements during wartime events. Ultrasound examinations were not performed for ethical reasons, as women were staying in bomb shelters during shelling. The following types of changes in motor activity were identified: no change, increased activity, decreased activity, and delayed activity. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s χ² test, with the level of significance set at p<0.05.
Results. In 63.0% of cases, no changes in fetal motor activity were reported. In 37.0% of observations, various types of changes were recorded: increased motor activity in 19.6%, decreased activity in 8.0%, and delayed activity in 9.4% of cases. Analysis according to gestational age revealed variability in fetal responses, most pronounced at 22-30 and 31-36 weeks of gestation.
Conclusions. The obtained data indicate that fetal motor activity is a sensitive indicator of the impact of extreme maternal stress under wartime conditions. Maternal questionnaires can be considered a feasible and ethically acceptable method for assessing fetal condition in crisis settings and have practical value for perinatal monitoring.
The author declares the absence of a conflict of interest.
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