Washington DC — The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) has teamed up with Healthy Birth Day, Inc., to develop education and resources centered on standardizing clinical response to fetal movement concerns.
A lack of standard response to changes in fetal movement can delay care; the Changes in Fetal Movement Patterns Course provides a clear, evidence-based approach to use when patients present to providers with changes in fetal movement patterns.
The new Changes in Fetal Movement Patterns resources and education benefit healthcare teams by:
- Eliminating inconsistencies in care
- Ensuring patients receive clear, evidence-based education
- Providing clinicians with structured guidance for decision-making
- Supporting institutions in training and implementation
Historically clinical response has been inconsistent when patients present with changes in fetal movement. This educational program aims to create a standardized approach that ensures both patients and healthcare providers know what to do when there is a change in fetal movement patterns.
A newly developed algorithm, educational module, and resource webpage on fetal movement assessment have been created based on a comprehensive literature review, and findings from a pilot study. These resources aim to enhance clinical guidance and patient education regarding changes in fetal movement patterns.
With support from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and Healthy Birth Day, Inc., AWHONN created an online learning module and a clinical practice algorithm. In collaboration with Healthy Birth Day, Inc., this education also includes a webinar and a Count the Kicks starter guide.
More information on the Changes in Fetal Movement Patterns resources and education can be found at awhonn.org/education/changes-in-fetal-movement-patterns or watch the town hall recording.
AWHONN thanks Healthy Birth Day, Inc. and Iowa Department of Health and Human Services for their support. While the financial support contributed to this project, they did not influence the literature search, research protocol, pilot study, study results, algorithm development, or changes in fetal movement patterns educational module.
About AWHONN
The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization. Our mission is to empower and support nurses caring for women, newborns, and their families through research, education, and advocacy.
About Healthy Birth Day, Inc.
Healthy Birth Day, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of stillbirth through programming, advocacy, and research. Healthy Birth Day, Inc. is the creator of the Count the Kicks stillbirth prevention program, which is credited with lowering the stillbirth rate in Iowa by more than 30% in the first 10 years (2008-2018). The free Count the Kicks app is a powerful stillbirth prevention tool to help expectant parents be more in tune with their bodies and their babies. Learn more at HealthyBirthDay.org and CountTheKicks.org.
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For more information, please contact Shannon Doolin at 202-261-2410 or sdoolin@awhonn.org.
