The Effect of Glucose on Fetal Movement

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 MSc in Midwifery, Faculty Member, Larestan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Larestan, Iran.

2 MSc in Midwifery, Faculty Member, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Razi Hospital, Jundishapur University Of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran.

4 MSc in Biostatics, School of Health, Jundishapur University Of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran.

Abstract

Background: Adequate fetal movement is one of health markers and can be altered under influence of pathologic and nonpathologic causes. Since, glucose is an energetic agent, and its availability for central nervous system (CNS) provides better coordination of movements through the complex control of CNS. So in present study, we evaluated the effect of maternal glucose ingestion on fetal movements accompanied by fetal heart rate acceleration. Methods: A prospective study was performed at Amir-almomenin in Ahvaz on 35 non-laboring healthy women with normal singleton pregnancy at 37-40 weeks gestation. The women were evaluated in a fasting state (last meal more than 3 hours of the non stress test). The non stress tests and fetal body movements perceived by the mother were performed 1 hour following oral ingestion of 50 g of glucose in 240 ml of water or an equal volume of water during two successive days. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test and chi-square test. In all the analysis, P < 0.05 was considered significant. Findings: There was no significant difference in the incidence of number of gross fetal body movements perceived by the mother among women whether receiving glucose or water (P > 0.05). However, there was an increase in the incidence of number of fine fetal movement (P = 0.043) following oral ingestion glucose. Conclusion: Maternal oral glucose ingestion have effect in the incidence of number of fine fetal movement but these fetal movements could not cause fetal heart rate acceleration that is one of the health markers. Keywords: Fetal assessment methods, Glucose, Fetal movement, Fetal heart rate acceleration.