AFFIRM – can promoting awareness of baby’s movements in pregnancy help reduce stillbirths?

 

The AFFIRM trial explored whether the stillbirth rate would change if maternity staff and pregnant women were made more aware of their baby’s movements, and a new package of care was offered to any women who reported concerns.

In pregnancy, a baby’s movements can be a sign of their health. This study, part-funded by Sands, took place across 33 hospitals in the UK and Ireland, involving over 400,000 women. The study aimed to find out if stillbirths are reduced by promoting awareness of baby’s movements among pregnant women, and introducing a package of care when women report a change in movements.

Researchers found there was an 11% drop in the stillbirth rate after the care package was introduced. However, this reduction was too small to prove the benefits of this new approach, which was also associated with an increase in induction of labour and caesarean sections.

These findings are being considered alongside other research and have not caused fetal movement advice to change in the UK. 

Women are encouraged to pay attention to their baby’s movements and immediately share any concerns with their midwife or maternity service. 

Our Safer Pregnancy website provides further advice.